Talks with neighbours about migrant labour
Play
THAILAND is preparing to take migrant workers from three other Asean nations under memorandums of understanding (MoUs) for the upcoming Asean Economic Community.
Labour Minister General Sirichai Dithakul met Tuesday with delegates from Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia to discuss the MOUs.
Thailand has already signed MoUs with Myanmar and Cambodia but discussions were made on how they should be implemented.
The agreement with Vietnam, meanwhile, is expected to take effect early next year.
“The MoUs will focus on ensuring that migrants come to work in Thailand legally, receive legal protection and stay immune to human trafficking,” Sirichai said.
When the Asean Economic Community, or AEC, fully materialises, there will be a free flow of labour.
Following his meeting with Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Tat Thanh, Sirichai said Hanoi was ready to work with Bangkok in taking care of Vietnamese migrants in Thailand.
Nguyen also said: “We will jointly establish a working group to take care of Vietnamese migrants from the very beginning. The whole process will cover immigration, training and return to their homeland.”
