Labour Ministry Denies Visa Fee Allegations
On January 5, 2025, the Labour Ministry of Thailand dismissed allegations that foreign migrant workers under a labor cooperation agreement with neighboring countries are required to pay as much as 20,000 baht for work permit renewals. These claims were raised by opposition MPs during a parliamentary meeting focused on the challenges faced by migrant workers in Thailand.
Clarification on Work Permit Extension Costs
Ministry spokesman Phumphat Muanchan clarified that the actual cost for extending work permits typically does not exceed 7,600 baht per person. This fee encompasses various expenses including visa and work permit processing fees, a health check-up, medical insurance, and a 1,000-baht deposit that can be reclaimed at the end of a two-year contract.
Justification for Extension Fees
When questioned about the reasonableness of these fees in relation to migrant workers’ incomes, Mr. Phumphat emphasized that the costs are necessary to cover medical check-ups and identity verification, which are crucial for protecting workers’ rights.
Health Service Compliance for Migrant Workers
In a related matter, Phanuwat Pankate, director-general of the Department of Health Service Support (DHSS), stated that private hospitals have been reminded to comply with regulations regarding health check-ups for migrant workers. This comes in response to reports indicating that some private practitioners were issuing medical certificates without conducting proper tests.
Importance of Health Screening
Dr. Phanuwat stressed that health screenings serve as the first line of defense against public health threats. As of November last year, over 3.35 million migrant workers were registered with Thai authorities.
Human Trafficking Incident Involving Myanmar Nationals
In a separate incident, nine Myanmar nationals were apprehended in Pathum Thani after police intercepted their taxi. The workers reported paying 12,000 baht to brokers for transportation from Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district to Pathum Thani. The taxi driver was charged with facilitating human trafficking and claimed he received 400 baht per person for transporting the workers from Ayutthaya to Pathum Thani.
Ongoing Challenges for Migrant Workers
These events highlight ongoing issues surrounding migrant worker treatment and safety in Thailand, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and regulatory enforcement within this vulnerable population.
