Myanmar nationals residing in refugee camps can now register for a permit that will allow them to work legally in the country, the Ministry of Labour announced.
The move came after the cabinet on Aug 26 passed a resolution allowing refugees to take up jobs in the country, as part of the government’s bid to address labour shortages.
Labour Minister Trinuch Thienthong said on Thursday the resolution, which took effect on Wednesday, is in line with the government’s plan to meet the demand for labour from various industries while providing refugees with the opportunity to participate in the economy legally.
The move will benefit 42,601 refugees aged between 18-59 living in nine shelters across Mae Hong Son, Tak, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi provinces — about 12,000 of whom have expressed interest in working, said Pichet Thongphan, director-general of the Department of Employment.
He noted employers have already registered 6,152 vacancies.
Sectors with the highest demand include construction, electronics manufacturing, agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and food and beverage production, he said.
Employers seeking workers from refugee shelters must first register the vacancies they wish to fill at their local employment office, providing details about the position and the duration of the contract.
The relevant authorities will direct employers to choose from a pool of applicants deemed suitable for the jobs they listed.
The workers must then seek permission from district authorities to leave the controlled area. Once outside the camps, they must report to authorities in the province of employment within 48 hours, he said.
Employers must then bring the workers to a state medical facility to undergo health checks and register them for insurance.
Afterwards, employers can submit work permit applications with all the required supporting documents.
The initial application fee is set at 100 baht, while the annual permit renewal fee is 900 baht. Workers may engage in all types of jobs not explicitly prohibited for foreigners.
Mr Pichet urged employers to follow all procedural requirements to ensure compliance with the law. Guidance and support are available at provincial employment offices nationwide or via the Ministry of Labour hotline at 1506.