By Kantarawaddy Times
The Thai government has officially confirmed that, beginning October 1, Myanmar refugees living in Thailand will be granted the right to work legally, according to Thai labor minister Pongkawin Juangroongruangkit, as reported by Thai media outlets.
The Thai cabinet approved the work-permit policy on August 26, and this was confirmed in an announcement issued by the Ministry of Labor on September 4.
Reports indicates refugees residing in four districts from Mae Hong Son, Tak, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi will be allowed to work outside the camps. To do so, they will need to apply for permission to leave their respective districts and obtain health insurance certificates from the provincial health offices.
However, refugee committee members said they are still waiting for local authorities to visit the camps and explain the official procedures in detail.
“Up to now, no officials have come to explain anything to us. We don’t really know how they plan to implement this policy. Since we haven’t received any clear information, we’re still waiting. For now, we’re trying to reach out to the local Thai authorities, hoping they will come and explain things to us,” said a committee member from Karenni Refugee Camp 1.
Since August, the Thai government has already collected lists of refugees eligible for work through the camp committees. Still, as of now, no further updates have been provided, the committee member added.
To reduce the financial burden on Myanmar refugees seeking employment, the Thai cabinet has also agreed to waive work permit fees, according to Thai PBS World.
The government estimates that approximately 42,000 Myanmar refugees will be recruited for legal employment—a measure aimed at addressing Thailand’s labor shortage following the repatriation of Cambodian migrant workers.
