On 24 January 2017, the Cabinet approved for foreign workers in the sea fishing industry with permits expiring on 31 January 2017, along with workers in the seafood processing industry with permits expiring on 22 February 2017, to remain working in the nation until 1 November 2017. Foreign workers in other industries with permits expiring 31 March 2018, are were urged to complete the citizenship verification process as once the deadline has passed, workers will be asked to leave the country. As for migrant workers currently working illegally, the Cabinet announced that there would not be any open registrations, and that illegal workers found would be prosecuted accordingly.
Labour Minister General Sirichai Distakul has urged employers to complete the relevant processes for their migrant workers within the deadline, which is confirmed to have no further extension. Illegal workers found will be prosecuted according to Thai laws, and transported back to their origin countries immediately. He emphasized that employers requiring migrant workers would be permitted to do so through MOU arrangements only.
The Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General and spokesperson Mr. Ananchai Uthaipatanacheep said, “The Labour Minister has clear policies on foreign worker management, particularly illegal workers who have illegally migrated into the kingdom. If found, such workers will be prosecuted and returned to their origin countries. Workers who have been exempt and are awaiting the citizenship verification processes will be allowed to stay in the nation until 1 November 2017 and march 31 2018 only. Employers and foreign workers exempt are urged to complete the citizenship verification within the stated period.”
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pokesperson and Publication Sub-Division/
Bureau of Public Relations/
Chaninthorn Phettab – News/
Department of Employment – Information/
20 January 2017
