Thailand Allows Myanmar Refugees to Work Legally

Thailand has announced a policy change allowing Myanmar refugees in nine border camps to work legally in the country for the next 12 months. This decision sends a message to Cambodia, which had recalled its workforce due to a border conflict. The government aims to provide opportunities for refugees who obey regulations and laws, while also emphasizing the importance of complying with labor laws.

Key Takeaways:

• The policy change applies to 42,601 registered refugees of working age in nine refugee camps across four provinces in Thailand.
• The permission to work is valid for 12 months and allows refugees to work outside their camps in 43 provinces across the North, Central Plains, and East regions of Thailand.
• Employers will be required to provide standard welfare and access to provident funds to working Myanmar refugees in accordance with labor laws.
• The decision is a response to Cambodia's recall of its workforce due to a border conflict and aims to send a message that Thailand does not need Cambodia's labor.
• The refugees in question are those who have been registered with the authorities and have shown a willingness to comply with regulations and laws.

Statistics:

• 42,601 registered refugees of working age will be allowed to work legally in Thailand for the next 12 months.
• The permission to work applies to 9 refugee camps in 4 provinces, with 3 camps in Tak province, 4 in Mae Hong Son, and 1 each in Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi.
• 43 provinces in the North, Central Plains, and East regions of Thailand are open for employment for Myanmar refugees.
• The border conflict with Cambodia led to the exodus of hundreds of thousands of Cambodian workers.

Sources:

• [Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's statement, Thai Government Press Release, No date]
• [Ministry of Labour, Thai Government, ongoing]