Migrants criticise Thailand's work permit costs
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Few Myanmar migrant workers have their work permits extended at the one-stop-service office in Mae Sot, in Tak province, citing the expensive costs, according to Moe Kyo, chairperson of the Joint Action Committee for Burmese Affairs.
The one-year work permits, so-called pink cards among the migrants, can be obtained at the office in line with Thailand’s policy to crack down illegal workforce. The one-year card costs Bt3,160 (US$98) with children costing Bt1,120 each.
Moe Kyo said that the cost is too high given that no worker in Mae Sot enjoys the minimum wage of Bt300 and most earn Bt80-Bt180 a day. He questioned if Thailand wants to take advantage of the migrants.
