Myanmar requests visa extension for migrant workers in Thailand

Hundreds of thousands of Myanmar migrant workers illegally overstay their visas to remain in Thailand, which are normally valid for four to six years.

The current system requires migrant Myanmar workers who have visas through a Myanmar-Thailand MoU system to return to Myanmar once their visas expire, then restart the visa application process in order to work in Thailand again. The system has been criticised for being unnecessarily tedious and costly for both employers and employees.

According to Myo Aung, the ministry is working toward implementing a better process for migrant Myanmar workers in Thailand.

“At the very least, if a worker has to go back to Myanmar first, we want to make sure things are swift and smooth. We will also hold joint classes and workshops.”