The Thai cabinet agreed today (Tuesday) to allow legal migrant workers from Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos, who have been working in Thailand for four years, to stay for another two years after the expiry of their work permits.
The government signed a memorandum of understanding on labour cooperation with the governments of the three countries, under which a certain number of their nationals are allowed to work legally in Thailand for four years.
There are 54,236 workers from Myanmar, 26,840 workers from Cambodia and 25,504 workers from the Lao PDR in Thailand under the employment program that would end in 2022.
Director-General of the Department of Employment Pairote Chotikasthira explained that these migrant workers are required to complete their paperwork within six months of the expiry of their work permits in order to stay for two more years.
Thailand is experiencing a serious shortage of labour, especially in the food processing industry and constructions.
The war and civil strife in Myanmar are also making it difficult for workers from Myanmar to return safely.
