By Kantarawaddy Times
A member of the Karenni Refugee Committee (KnRC) told Kantarawaddy Times that refugee committee members are expecting Thai government officials to meet with them and outline the procedures for implementing the new policy that grants legal work permits to refugees.
He explained that only through such an official briefing could the refugee situation be clearly defined and recognized as a genuine turning point.
“In order to be certain about the Thai government’s refugee policy, the camp commander (the relevant government official in charge of the camp) needs to come and explain to the respective camp committee how the legal work permit system will be implemented. Only when the process is officially presented can we say that it is concrete. Based on the current situation, this is the very first time Thailand has introduced a policy granting legal work rights to refugees. We all welcome this,” said a KnRC member.
The Karenni Refugee Committee (KnRC) also officially announced on September 1 that it warmly welcomed the Thai government’s refugee policy.
According to the statement, the policy will enable refugees who have lived in camps for decades to stand on their own feet, marking a dignified and sustainable step toward resolving their long-standing livelihood challenges.
Refugee communities themselves also hope that Thailand’s legal work permit policy will bring significant changes in improving their daily lives.
In connection with the policy, both the Interim Executive Council of Karenni State (IEC) and the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) issued separate statements welcoming the initiative and pledging to cooperate with the Thai government.
