Thailand cancels plan to charge 20000 baht for migrant workers permit renewal

Thailand recently made a significant decision regarding migrant workers coming to the country to work. The plan to charge 20,000 baht for renewing work permits has been called off. This effort was a part of a labor cooperation agreement between Thailand and its neighboring countries, which includes Myanmar.

Opposition members of parliament spoke out against this plan in a recent parliamentary session. Prompted by concerns for Myanmar’s migrant workers, Thailand’s Ministry of Labor ultimately decided to cancel the proposal.

According to Phumphat Muanchan, a representative for the Ministry of Labor, the total fee per person should not exceed 7,600 baht. This includes expenses for visas, work permits, health checks, medical insurance, and an additional thousand baht.

When questioned about the fairness of these costs in relation to the workers’ income levels, Mr. Phumphat emphasized the necessity of covering medical examination and identity verification expenses to safeguard workers’ rights.

Thailand is a popular destination for migrant workers from Myanmar. In light of recent illegal entries into the country, Thai authorities have been vigilant in making arrests. The cancelation of the plan to increase work permit renewal fees is a positive development for migrant workers, ensuring that costs remain reasonable and accessible.