CNI News
19 September 2024
It is necessary for Myanmar's PE (Passport for Education) holders in Thailand who are attending short-term courses with Non-ED visa to have other documents to have other documents, Myanmar people in Thailand told CNI News.
The Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok stated that it would not provide service to the Myanmar people who were attending short-term courses with Non-ED visa for the renewal of PE starting from 16th September.
Refusal to renew the passport means to ask those with the passport expired to go home; so the Myanmar people whose passports still were valid should do to have other documents that are issued by the Thai authorities, U Aung Kyaw, from the Labor Right Foundation (LBR) told CNI News.
" The reason why the PE is not extended is the Myanmar government want the PE holders to come back to Myanmar. If the embassy doesn't extend the PE, all the PE holders will be illegal. And then they all will find difficulties. The Thai Ministry of Labor promised that residence and work permits would be issued to all undocumented people under the Thai government led by former Thai PM Srettha. But it didn't go ahead because Thai politics changed recently. A new PM came to power. If the subject regarding migrant workers was discussed at the Cabinet meeting, a certain document would be issued to them, which migrant workers are hoping." he said.
Myanmar migrants who are waiting in front of the Myanmar Embassy
In the past, renewal of PE was conducted within one day in the Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok and the Myanmar Consulate in Chianmai.
But because there has been a sharp increase in the number of Myanmar students who are attending courses in a virtual format after getting Non-ED visa, the embassy will not provide service to extend the PE, said in the statement released by the embassy.
Refusal to renew the PE passport may be because some of the PE holders might be those who go against the SAC, U Min Oo, in charge of labor affairs from the Foundation for Education and Development (FED) told CNI News.
" They must choose one or another. If those who are OK to go home, go home. Otherwise, as illegal residents, work in a job regarding the university. Otherwise, when they have to apply as recruits, will they do? The military government will tighten step by step. If you haven't made any preparations, you will get into trouble." he said.
There are many Myanmar citizens holding PE, who are staying in Thailand with Non-ED visa reportedly.
Although those who are attending short term courses are refused to renew their PE, students who are long-term courses and studying in primary and secondary education are regularly allowed to renew.
