The picture shows immigration checkpoints, border ports and construction sites in Thailand
Myanmar labor activists said that the Thai authorities have relaxed the COVID-19 restrictions since the first outbreak of the new crown epidemic, which bodes well for migrant workers in Myanmar.
Thai authorities announced that all COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted on October 1. U Ba Yee, an official of the Migrant Workers Rights Network, said: It is easier for migrant workers to travel from one place to another. They no longer need to take COVID tests. In the past, migrant workers in Myanmar had to present test results and vaccine certificates from the past 24 hours. Therefore, it is much easier for migrant workers to travel from one place to another. This also brings benefits to workers in the workplace.
In the past, Myanmar migrant workers faced difficulties in traveling from town to town and were even blackmailed by police, who took advantage of this restriction. Therefore, labor activists say lifting restrictions can reduce such problems for migrant workers in Myanmar.
The picture shows a workplace in Thailand
With the lifting of restrictions, Myanmar immigrant workers can easily change jobs, and currently have better job opportunities in tourism-related companies.
Wu Minwu, a labor activist from the Education and Development Foundation, said: Thailand has reopened its economy and job opportunities have increased. In addition, the tourism season begins in October and has set a goal of receiving 10 million tourists by the end of the year. It has received about 6 million people so far, and the authorities are also working very hard. Therefore, job opportunities have increased significantly. Our migrant workers can find jobs. Additionally, removing restrictions helps them get their jobs easily. This is beneficial to the migrant workers in Myanmar.
Although the restrictions have been lifted, the Myanmar migrant workers who want to return to Myanmar are facing difficulties as the Thai authorities have not reopened their borders with Myanmar.
Immigrant workers whose passport is valid for more than 6 months can return by plane, but those migrant workers whose passport is valid for less than 6 months are not allowed to do so.
The picture shows Thai immigration officials checking their passports
Therefore, some Myanmar migrant workers chose to go home after being arrested by the authorities and pay a fine, or sneak back to Myanmar through smuggling.
Labor activist Ko Thar, a labor activist for Myanmar migrant workers, Gyi said: People who are in contact with the authorities on both sides are smuggling migrant workers back to Myanmar, asking for a price of 3,000 to 4,500 baht per person. In the past, when they crossed the river, they only had to pay 20 baht. When they reached the other side, they could go home directly. If they were arrested and repatriated by Thai authorities, they could be detained for 1 to 3 days or taken to a quarantine center by Myanmar authorities.
Thailand labor activists called on Myanmar nationals to work formally in Thailand instead of illegally smuggling into Thailand.
Recommended Reading
Myanmar Aviation fuel major supplier Puma PUMA Energy Company announced that it would "full withdraw" from the Myanmar market
Happy Puben! Wa State citizens over 16 years old can apply for Myanmar ID card for free regardless of ethnicity and region
[Selection and backup] Yangon region can provide services for new coronavirus pneumonia hospital list
Myanmar Central Bank announced: Fuel imports can also be paid in RMB
World Bank: Myanmar's economic development will continue to be weak
World Bank: Myanmar's economic development will continue to be weak
World Bank: Myanmar's economic development will continue to be weak
World Bank: Myanmar's economic development will continue to be weak
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-