The Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General Mr. Soothi Sukosol spoke about Saudi Arabia’s announcement for amnesty for foreign workers without an Igama (residency visa), allowing returns home for 10,000 Riyal, equating to almost 100,000 Baht. The amnesty is effective for 90 days from 29 March to 26 June 2017 and has resulted in many undocumented foreign workers reporting themselves to return home, including 86 Thai nationals. Of the Thai nationals who have reported themselves, many have lived in Saudi Arabia for over 25 years and are over 60 years in age. The Thai Embassy is helping the Thai nationals on their return home, whereby 23 has received help from Riyadh and 58 from Jeddah.
Mr. Soothi said that on 3 June 2017, 11 of the Thai nationals will arrive in Thailand. This includes 6 people from Riyadh on Kuwait Airlines number KU411 arriving at 10.50 on 4 June 2017 and another 5 who have departed Dammam on Qatar Airlines number FZ0523 arriving at 12.35 on the same day. The Department of Employment’s Director-General Mr. Woranon Pitiwan and, Inspect-General Mr. Wiwat Tanghong and Deputy Director-General from the Department of Employment Mr. Sombat Niwetrat will be there to welcome them on their return.
Both workers and families returning home have shown their gratitude for the amnesty. The Ministry of Labour and Social Development in Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) will ensure as many workers and their families can return home during this period. It is also working with Thai nationals intending to continue their stay to work in Saudi Arabia and sourcing employment for them. Mr. Soothi added that the measures taken by Saudi Arabia would strengthen ties with Thailand.
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Spokesperson and Publication Sub-Division/
Bureau of Public Relations – News /
Chaninthorn Phettab – Photos /
Office of Labour affairs in Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) – Information/
4 June 2017
