Pol. Gen. Adul on August 16 revealed theoutcome of a meeting with Myanmar's Minister of Labour, Immigration andPopulation U Thein Swe in Naypyidaw, saying that the Myanmar government iswilling to allow more Myanmar nationals to come and work in Thailand'sfisheries sector.
In the meeting, the Thai Minister thankedMyanmar authorities for the support of personnel and equipment for nationalityverification operations to legalise the presence of 800,000 migrant workersfrom Myanmar in Thailand, which was completed on June 30, 2018.
The Myanmar authorities have alsoacknowledged Thailand's new allowance for migrant workers in the fishingindustry according to Article 83 who are now able to work in Thailand for twomore years beyond the previous expiry of their work permits on September 30,2018. This allowance will benefit 11,000 migrant workers, 2,209 of whom areMyanmar nationals.
Thailand's fishing industry is now facing ashortage of some 42,000 workers, and is hoping for migrant workers from neighbouringcountries to help fill these vacancies.
Thai authorities have stressed migrantworkers will be employed on a clear work and compensation contract, withbenefits and welfare ensured. The Ministry of Labour will be opening anemployment commencement and termination centre in Ranong to process workers infisheries, who arrive as part of the MoU scheme between the governments of thetwo countries.
Minister U Thein Swe said that Myanmar iswilling to support Thailand in this matter, as both countries have enjoyed 70years of diplomatic relations, and urged the Thai authorities to take good careof Myanmar workers, ensuring they receive legal protection.
He added that he will be visiting theemployment commencement and termination centre in Ranong province himself forthe opening ceremony.
The Labour Minister, stressed this discussionwill further enhance cooperation on labour movements according to the MoUbetween the two countries, which will be beneficial for Myanmar workers inThailand who are assured of receiving legal protection and not being victims ofhuman trafficking or discrimination.-NNT/VNA