Lao govt opens centres to assist registration of workers in Thailand
VIENTIANE – The government has opened assistance centres in Thailand to help Lao workers there who currently hold purple cards (work permits), to ensure they are fully legal and are registered with the authorities.
The centres are operating from August 28 until the end of February 2018. They will determine the exact number of people of Lao nationality working in Thailand, and provide assistance for Lao workers who do not have legal documentation.
The acting director-general of the Department of Labour Skill Development and Employment under the Lao Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Anousone Khamsingsavath, on Monday explained the function of these centres.
She said the ministry wanted to confirm the nationality of workers so officials would be better placed to uphold their rights and ensure they did not suffer from mistreatment.
For several years, Lao workers in Thailand have not received protection under Thai law because they have not upgraded their status.
Officials expect that these centres will register and upgrade the status of 300-400 Lao workers a day by confirming their nationality.
