BANGKOK, Thailand – The Ministry of Labor is opening its first Certificate of Identity (CI) center in Samut Sakhon province next month to assist migrant workers in obtaining proof-of-status documents. The center will primarily serve workers from Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, providing travel documents and renewing work permits set to expire on October 31. The facility is expected to operate until April next year, with the possibility of more centers being opened if demand is high.
The announcement follows a working committee meeting on the management of migrant workers, which discussed the challenges surrounding the registration and protection of migrant workers. Meeting participants expressed concerns about delays in setting up a migrant workers’ database, which could affect both the business sector and workers’ rights.
The Department of Employment has also proposed a two-year extension for migrant work permits to prevent potential labor shortages. The proposal seeks to mitigate any negative impact on businesses facing worker shortages as a result of documentation delays.
Employers have been urged to register and renew the status of their migrant workers within the designated time frame to avoid disruptions in the workforce. (NNT)
