Thailand Grants Myanmar Refugees Right to Work, Supporting Sustainable Economic Growth

Strategic Insights -

The Thai government's decision to grant Myanmar refugees living in camps along the border the legal right to work has been welcomed by the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS). This policy change allows registered residents in the nine shelters to work in all sectors not prohibited for foreign nationals, subject to health screening and registration for health insurance. The move is expected to benefit displaced persons by fostering self-reliance, contributing to tax revenue, increasing productivity, and addressing national labor shortages. Moreover, this decision reflects a balanced approach between domestic management and compassion for fellow human beings, drawing recognition from the international community.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Thai government's policy grants registered Myanmar refugees the right to work in all sectors not prohibited for foreign nationals for up to one year, subject to health screening and registration for health insurance.
  • This decision is expected to benefit displaced persons by fostering self-reliance, contributing to tax revenue, increasing productivity, and addressing national labor shortages.
  • The policy reflects a balanced approach between domestic management and compassion for fellow human beings, drawing recognition from the international community.
  • The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has publicly praised the Thai government's courageous decision.
  • The policy-change has significant implications for sustainable economic growth in Thailand, as it may serve as a positive model for other countries in the region facing similar challenges.
  • The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) notes that stakeholders must prepare to implement the policy in ways that meet the specific needs of displaced persons, including ensuring legal status that allows them to remain in Thailand safely.
  • There is an urgent need to develop policies and operational mechanisms to address the situation of displaced persons who have arrived from Myanmar since the 2021 coup, many of whom are high-skilled professionals.
  • The policy requires mechanisms to recognize and certify these skills in line with Thai standards, as well as forming partnerships with businesses to match refugee skills with labor shortages.

Statistics:

  • Up to one year: the duration for which registered refugees are allowed to work under the policy.
  • 9 shelters: the number of shelters where registered refugees can apply for work permits.
  • Myanmar refugees: the estimated number of people who benefit from the policy change.
  • 2021: the year in which many high-skilled professionals from Myanmar arrived in Thailand.
  • $1.43 billion: the overall economic value generated by Myanmar displaced workers who arrived after 2021 in a single year, according to a case study.

Sources:

  • Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) - Press release, 3 September
  • Studying the Economic and Social Impact of Granting Work Rights to Refugees in Thailand: A Case Study of Tak, Chiang Mai and Bangkok research study