Thailand approves Sri Lanka labour framework for 10,000 workers

Thailand is moving to deepen international labour cooperation after the Cabinet approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on labour cooperation and an agreement on the employment of Sri Lankan workers in Thailand, establishing a formal channel for bringing foreign workers into the country legally.

The initial target is 10,000 Sri Lankan workers to help address labour shortages in key sectors, with controls covering recruitment, health checks, employment contracts and repatriation aimed at curbing human trafficking and illegal employment.

Legal labour route to ease industrial shortages

Labour shortages in the industrial sector and among Thai businesses remain a major challenge that the government is seeking to address. The agreements are therefore expected to help ease the shortages by providing a regulated recruitment mechanism.

Capt Patdarasm Thongsaluaykorn, deputy government spokesperson, explained that the agreements follow several years of coordination and negotiations aimed at responding to requests from businesses and employers in Thailand.

Two key frameworks for Thailand-Sri Lanka labour cooperation

The cooperation is divided into two main components designed to establish clear, transparent and verifiable standards for managing migrant labour throughout the process.

• MOU on labour cooperation: The MOU focuses on establishing a policy framework, exchanging information on labour markets, laws and regulations, developing workforce skills and improving productivity. It also covers information-sharing networks intended to prevent and combat illegal recruitment and human trafficking.
   
• Agreement on the employment of Sri Lankan workers: The agreement sets out practical procedures for employing Sri Lankan nationals in Thailand, covering the process from recruitment in the country of origin through to employment in Thailand and ensuring that workers enter the country legally.

Key conditions and procedures for employing Sri Lankan workers

• Employment contracts: Contracts must be signed directly between employers and workers before the workers travel to Thailand.
   
• Qualifications and conditions: The number of workers, required qualifications, remuneration and type of work must be clearly specified.
   
• Health checks: Workers must undergo health examinations and have health insurance as required by law before starting work.
   
• Work authorisation: Workers must obtain a work permit and may work only for the authorised employer and in the approved occupation.
   
• Employment period: Employment contracts will run for two years and may be extended for up to a further two years.
   
• Repatriation: When the employment contract ends, the employer will be responsible for all repatriation costs.

Stronger labour rights and safeguards against trafficking

A key feature of the agreements is the principle of non-discrimination. Sri Lankan nationals employed in Thailand under the MOU will have their rights and welfare protected under Thai labour law on the same basis as those of local workers.

They will be entitled to the remuneration and benefits specified in their employment contracts and will have access to Thailand’s legal procedures and mechanisms in the event of an employment dispute.

The government believes that establishing a regulated channel for Sri Lankan workers under the MOU will not only help curb illegal labour recruitment and reduce the risk of human trafficking, but also support Thailand’s economic stability by enabling industries facing labour shortages to continue operating under transparent and fair employment rules.