BANGKOK– Number of registered migrant workers from neighbouring countries in fisheries and seafood processing industry is over 10,000, says the Department of Employment (DOE), stressing to punish any illegal employment.
The DOE Director-General Arrug Phrommanee has revealed that the number of registered labourers from neighbouring countries in the fisheries and seafood processing is recorded at 17,375 persons. The latest figure comes after the two ongoing registration openings, organized by the government.
Figures from the first fisheries labourer registration in the 22 seaside provinces, running from 2 November 2015 to 30 January 2016, have shown a total of 8,509 workers, 8,476 males and 33 females. The province with the most registered workers is Trat followed by Chumphon province.
The second labourer registration in the seafood processing industry, running from 25 November 2015 to 22 February 2016, recorded 8,866 workers, with many registering themselves. 8,731 workers are actual labourers while the remaining 135 are their dependants. Provinces with the most labourers registered under this category are Samut Sakhon, followed by Ranong.
The Ministry of Labour has made the announcement to impose maximum penalties to employers who violate the law, with a fine of 100,000 baht per head for hiring migrant workers without a working permit, and a 10,000 baht fine per head for hiring a migrant labourer that is registered under another employer.
Migrant workers working without authorization could face up to 5 years imprisonment, 2,000-100,000 baht fine, or both. Migrant workers engaged in labour work with a different employer than the one they are registered are subject to a 20,000 baht fine.
