CNI News

4 Feb 2023

Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand whose four- or six-year work permits expired before the outbreak of COVID-19 are required to renew theirs in a timely manner, labour activists told the CNI.

Thai authorities have extended the period for work permits for them until 15th May and such workers are required to renew theirs in time without fail.

Labour activist Ko Thar Gyi told the CNI, "It is important for them to have their passports renewed. If their passports are valid, their visas will be fully extended according to the law whether they are holding four- or six-year work permits. Thai authorities have extended period for renewal of work permits so that they have enough time to renew their passports. When they have their passports renewed, their employers will help them renew their work permits in some ways or others."

Migrant workers sent to Thailand under the MOU between the two countries.

Thai authorities first allowed Myanmar migrant workers to renew their work permits by 13th February but later extended the renewal period until May so that the workers have enough time to renew their passports.

Moreover, Thai authorities permitted about 60,000 MOU workers whose four-year work permits expired between 1st November, 2020 and 31st December, 2022 and about 50,000 MOU workers whose four-year work permits are going to expire between 1st January, 2023 and 31st July, 2023 to work temporarily for a period no longer than six months in Thailand.

Labour activists said that such extension of renewal period was to enable migrant workers to renew their passports.

Authorities inspect a factory during the outbreak of COVID-19.

MOU workers whose six-year work permits expired but passports were still valid had been allowed to renew their work permits for two years, they said.

Labour activist U Min Oo of the Foundation for Education and Development told the CNI, "Six-year work permit holders can choose between the two year permit authorities have granted them or another six-year permit if they are still working for the same employers through their agencies in both countries. Most four-year work permit holders are still working for their original employers, especially in Mahachai.

Moreover, it costs tens of thousands of Baht for migrant workers to renew documents including work permits, passports, visas in time through agents, according to labour activists.