On 6 July 2017 at the Ministry of Labours ministers lounge, Labour Minister General Sirichai Distakul welcomed H.E. Mr. lth Samheng Cambodian Minister of Labour and Vocational and Training to meet and discuss methods of resolving migrant worker issues and eliminating human-trafficking risks.
The Cambodian minister reported 47,450 travel document applications from Cambodian workers, with only 27,935 having received them. Information as of May 2017 saw a total of 160,881 Cambodian migrant workers in Thailand through MOU channels and another 72,365 daily or seasonal workers as of June 2017. In the discussion, Cambodia approved the enforcement of the Foreign Worker Management Act B.E. 2560 which will benefit both sides. Cambodia concluded that it will:
1. Excel the distribution of the remaining 160,000 passports to Cambodian workers in Thailand within 100 days.
2. Excel the citizenship verification process to issue certification. Priority will be on workers in fisheries in Rayong and Songkhla, whereby issuance will only take 1 day to process.
In addition to this, Cambodia asked Thailand to facilitate Cambodian workers without the necessary documents to remain working in Thailand. The Cambodian minister outlined ways to resolve illegal labour by allowing migrant workers with the necessary documents or pink card holders to change employers with a 1,000 Baht fee, but not permitting employment within 15 days or after changing employers, or after changing employers, allowing employers to apply for employment again. On the other hand, workers without the necessary documents should present themselves with their employer during 24 July to 7 August 2017 to obtain documents to apply for a passport in their home country before further process. The Labour Minister asked Cambodia to raise awareness to Cambodian workers to follow the guidelines.
As for the meeting with the Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security from Myanmar, this will take place on 7 July. From there, the Labour Minister will meet with the Laotian Minister of Labour and Social Welfare from 10-11 July. After consulting with all 3 nations, the Labour Minister will conclude guidelines for resolving migrant labour issues for further implementation.
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Spokesperson and Publication Sub-Division/
Bureau of Public Relations/
Chaninthorn Phettab – News/
Sompob Silbut – Photos/
6 July 2017
