Migrant amnesty program extended for half a million foreign labourers amid shortage in Thailand

[webfact]

 

In a bid to alleviate Thailand’s labour shortage and lay the groundwork for post-pandemic economic recovery, the country’s cabinet has decided to lengthen its foreign migrants’ amnesty programme until the close of the month.

 

This initiative allows close to half a million workers from neighbouring nations namely, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam, to effectively organise the permits necessary for legal residence and employment within Thailand.

 

The extension of the migrant amnesty programme was presented to the public yesterday by the government’s deputy spokesperson, Traisuree Taisaranakul, who detailed that the decision had been solidified two days prior. Initially introduced on February 7, this amnesty programme was designed as a solution to Thailand’s labour deficit. It provided an opportunity for immigrants from the aforementioned countries residing illegally in Thailand to surface and legally register without facing punitive measures.

 

The migrant amnesty programme was slated to conclude on May 15, however, it was discovered that approximately 500,000 workers were still to complete their registration with the labour authorities, reported Bangkok Post. The reasons behind this were primarily associated with administrative obstacles and financial constraints.

 

by Mitch Connor

Top Photo: Traisuree Taisaranakul, Nation Thailand

 

#news

Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/economy/thailand-extends-amnesty-for-half-a-million-foreign-labourers-amid-shortage

 

-- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-07

 

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[stoner]

are the barbers in phuket included ? 

[ezzra]

Sure, easy amnesty and employment for for half a million Asian but try to be a foreigner asking for work permit and you'll get the run around as if you're asking for kidney donation. 

[h90]

That keeps the Thai labor costs down as well

[mikebell]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

In a bid to alleviate Thailand’s labour shortage

90% of Thai workers will be asked to work a full day instead of keeping police hours.

[hotchilli]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

In a bid to alleviate Thailand’s labour shortage and lay the groundwork for post-pandemic economic recovery, the country’s cabinet has decided to lengthen its foreign migrants’ amnesty programme until the close of the month.

Just say forever... 

[mokwit]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

opportunity for immigrants from the aforementioned countries residing illegally in Thailand to surface and legally register without facing punitive measures.

Farangs on overstay need not apply - they are not benefiting a Thai employer.

[bradiston]

Seems the previous program was a complete disaster. 500,000 migrant workers still to be registered. What's the Thai government actually doing to run this program? It seems "administrative obstacles and financial constraints" have caused the backlog. 

[zzaa09]

8 hours ago, h90 said:

That keeps the Thai labor costs down as well

.....creating a wage vacuum for Thai labourers, all the while the prices/costs of everything [basics] continue to increase - fabricating more disparity among the working class population. 

 

Eat the rich.

[PETERTHEEATER]

11 hours ago, stoner said:

are the barbers in phuket included ? 

Would they be from the Land of Kebabs?