Another ‘last chance’ for migrant workers

Authorities yesterday announced a “final chance” for immigration workers to register from June 15 onwards. The registration period is expected to last about a month. Estimates put the number of workers at 2 million, employed by about 200,000 Thai or foreign employers.

Employers who miss the registration deadline will be subject to a Bt10,000 to Bt100,000 fine per worker, while the immigrants will face a maximum five-year prison term and/or fine of Bt2,000 to Bt100,000.

The reason behind the registration drive is national security, rather than economic and social issues, said Suthassanee Suebwongphaet, director-general of the Department of Employment (DoE).

“When all workers are entered into the system, they can be protected and paid more fairly, while being monitored and controlled more effectively. This will lead to better proficiency in terms of social and economic concerns,” she explained.

Registration forms are available at all provincial DoE offices, and employers are required to pay Bt600 per worker for medical examination and Bt1,300 as a health-insurance deposit. Employers will also have to secure work permits, which requires an application fee of Bt100 and an annual permit fee of Bt900 to Bt1,800 depending on location and type of work.

Call (02) 354 1767 or 1694 for details.