The Labour Minister spoke at the Migrant Worker Management and Anti-Human Trafficking Subcommittee Meeting about approval to allow migrant workers of Burmese, Laotian and Cambodian nationalities and dependent returning home during the Songkran Festival 2019 between April 5 to 30, without any fees.
On February 20, 2019, Labour Minister H.E. Police General Adul Sangsingkeo chaired the Migrant Worker Management and Anti-Human Trafficking Subcommittee Meeting No. 2/2019 at the Prof. Nikom Chandravithun conference room, 5th floor, Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, Ministry of Labour. Permanent Secretary of Labour Mr. Jarin Chakkaphark and the ministry’s executives also joined the meeting. Key topics considered ways to relieve migrant workers, of Burmese, Laotian and Cambodian nationalities allowed to work in Thailand as labourers, homeworkers, language coordinators and engine technicians in sea fishing boats, holding a passport of temporary residency and permitted to stay in the Kingdom until at least April 30, 2019. This includes those traveling back home to attend the Songkran Festival 2019, to enter and depart from April 5 to 30 2019 with any all fees waived.
However, if migrant workers travel back to Thailand after April 30, 2019, but not later than May 31, 2019, the workers must apply for a temporary stay visa at the immigration checkpoint traveling into the Kingdom. In such a case, the period permitted to stay in the Kingdom must equal the original period allowed, whereby a fee of 2,000 Baht will be applied as required by law.
The Labour Minister assigned various agencies to take action in the relevant areas, by ordering related staff to facilitate migrant workers traveling back during Songkran. He ordered the staff not to abuse their power and asked all units to promote awareness in all areas, especially border provinces to reduce allegations and those seeking wrongful benefits.
This year, about 200,000 – 300,000 migrant workers are expected to travel back to their home countries during the Songkran period. The Ministry of Labour will present to the Foreign Worker and Human Trafficking Policy Committee before a further proposal to the Cabinet.
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Division of Public Relations/
News by Chaninthorn Phettab/
Photos by Sompob Silbut/
20 February 2019
