The Cabinet approved the Ministry of Labour’s proposal to extend the Covid-19 screening period and collect biometrics to June 16, 2021.
Labour Minister Mr. Suchart Chomklin reported the assessment on the situation of migrant workers by the Foreign Worker Management Policy Committee found that some may not be able to perform Covid-19 tests and the collection of personal identity information (Biometrics) by April 16, 2021. Therefore, by enabling migrant workers to stay in the Kingdom and work legally, employers/business operators would have workers drive their businesses. Such workers are under the government sector’s supervision to manage the risk of the Covid-19 pandemic and effectively manage workers who are trafficked in the Kingdom. Thus, the Cabinet passed a resolution approving for migrant workers according to the Cabinet’s resolution on December 29, 2020, and resolution on January 26, 2021, to extend the period of Covid-19 screening and personal identity collection (biometrics) from the original deadline of April 16, 2021, to June 16, 64. Other steps must follow the original guidelines.
Deputy Permanent Secretary and Acting Director-General of the Department of Employment, Mr. Phairoj Chotikasathian, said that information from the Ministry of Public Health and the Immigration Office as of April 5, 2021, found that about 170,000 migrant workers have passed the Covid-19 screening and registered for health insurance. Around 422,000 personal identity information (biometrics) has been collected from a total of 654,864 people. The situation assessment predicts that the remainder will be unable to proceed within the specified period. From now onwards, he asked that employers/business organizations take their migrant workers to make an appointment for Covid-19 screening and purchase health insurance from a public health facility, then proceed with the collection of personal identity (biometrics) with the Immigration Office as scheduled. There will be no more deferrals to extend the processing time. At the end of the operating period, the Department of Employment will examine and take legal action.
“For those who need to inquire about the process for obtaining a foreign work permit, can do so at the Provincial Employment Office, Bangkok Employment Office Area 1 – 10, at Line @Service_Workpermit or the Ministry of Labour’s 1506 hotline, press 2 for the Department of Employment, or call the Department of Employment’s 1694 hotline. Interpreters are available in Cambodian, Myanmar, and English languages, read to advise the relevant processes,” said Mr. Phairoj.
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Division of Public Relations
7 April 2021
