CNI News

10 March 2025

So many foreigner migrant workers have been arresting in Thailand and Malaysia since a few days ago, those carrying out labor issues told CNI News. 

During the arrests, Myanmar citizens were arrested by the thousand and the arrests in Malaysia were the worst during the past 30 years, U Aung from the Yadana Sekka Free Funeral Service, told CNI News.

" They are going with the 'free from foreigner' policy. There are arrests in Malaysia every day. The main reason is the Malaysian people's demand. Foreigners have jobs while Malaysian people don't have jobs. But the employers in this country don't hire Malaysian citizens. Malaysian workers must be paid more. Because of Malaysian people' demand, Malaysian authorities are seeking and arresting foreigner migrant workers in houses, clubs and factories in every township as well as on the buses or trains. We have been living here in Malaysia for over 30 years. This year, arrests here are the worst." said U Aung.

While migrant workers were being inspected

So, Myanmar citizens should stay carefully, suggested those carrying out labor issues from the countries concerned. 

9,532 foreigners were arrested in Thailand seven days after the Thai police chief ordered to identify and take action against foreigners who didn't stay in accordance with the law.

 Among those arrested in Thailand, over 4,800 Myanmar citizens who illegally migrated and were working forbidden jobs were included, reported the Thai police on 26th February 2025.

" Because the Thai police chief told that foreigner workers would be systematically inspected and taken action against, over 9,000 foreigners were arrested last week. Although those who have got Thai pink cards have nothing to worry, those who don't have the cards are being sought and inspected. We don't know for sure whether the arrests will increase or decrease in the coming days, but I consider it a very worrying sign because the Thai police chief ordered to seek and inspect and take action against illegal foreigners." U Aung Kyaw who is helping and carrying out the issues of the migrant workers in Thailand, told CNI News.

While Myanmar activists are demonstrating and demanding not to send Myanmar migrant workers back to Myanmar

At present, most Myanmar citizens are waiting in line to get labor cards called Thai pink cards that will issued by the Thai government and those who have registered in the name list have nothing to worry.

However, Myanmar migrant workers whose residence permits expired on 13th February are waiting to renew their permits. 

Meanwhile, Myanmar activists demonstrated and demanded Malaysia and Thai not to send Myanmar migrant workers in Malaysia and Thailand back to Myanmar in front of the Malaysian and Thai Embassies in London, the UK on 4th March 2025.