The Labour Minister showed concern for Thai workers returning from Uzbekistan. He thanked all agencies for helping to bring the workers to home safety. Everyone was delighted to return to their hometown again after a long wait, before going into the 14-day quarantine at a state-provided facility to monitor the incubation period for Covid-19.
On August 13, 2020, at 02.45 hours, Labour Minister Mr. Suchart Chomklin assigned Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour Mrs. Theanrat Nawamawat to travel to Suvarnabhumi Airport to pick up Thai workers returning from Uzbekistan, due to problems from the Covid-19 pandemic. The workers returned on Uzbekistan Airlines flight HY 3609 and landed in Suvarnabhumi Airport. This group of Thai workers in Uzbekistan had posted a clip asking the government to help bring them back to Thailand, due to being affected by Covid-19. They had traveled to work with an employer called ENTER ENGINEERING PTE.LTD. with a 1-year contract. Their employment was arranged by World Power Service Recruitment Company Limited, for a total of 78 people, and Bangkok Winning Group, for 17 people. The majority had travelled to work from June to July 2019, all of whom were deployed for work legitimately, and worked until the end of the employment contract of one year. However, the employer was unable to send the workers back, since the government of Uzbekistan issued a ban on domestic people leaving the country until 31 July 2020, coupled with forbidding commercial airlines from flying into the country due to Covid-19.
Mrs. Theanrat said that the Ministry of Labour coordinated with related agencies such as the Covid-19 Management Center, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and employment agencies to work together in helping the Thai workers return. From checking the membership status of the Overseas Job Seekers Assistance Fund, the Thai workers in Uzbekistan were divided into two groups. The group of 70 workers who had completed their contracts will receive compensation from the fund in the case of members experiencing problems abroad waiting for repatriation to Thailand. The fund will cover the cost of transportation, accommodation, meals, and other necessary expenses to fund members during their stay abroad, covering actual expenses, not exceeding 30,000 Baht per person. The second group was 24 workers who had not yet completed their employment contracts. The group will receive protection from the fund in the event that members experience problems and have to return to Thailand before their fund membership ends, due to the pandemic. The official of that country already announced the schedule to pay relief aid for 15,000 Baht per person.
“The Labour Minister cares for all Thai workers who have returned from Uzbekistan. Everyone was happy to return home again after a long time. The next step is that authorities will escort the group to state quarantine for 14 days to monitor the incubation period for Covid-19. As for those who are members of the fund, they will be assisted according to the specified criteria. Therefore, I urge all Thai workers travelling abroad to apply to the fund to get the benefits that are worthwhile, which will help alleviate any suffering if you encounter unforeseeable problems. For more information, please contact the Ministry of Labour’s hotline on 1506 and press 2 for the Department of Employment,” concluded Mrs. Theanrat.
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Division of Public Relations
13 August 2020
