Migrant workers could be allowed to work in 10 occupations currently reserved for Thai nationals with some conditions, a public forum was told yesterday.
The proposal seeking to de-list 10 occupations was floated at the forum and welcomed by the participants representing labour unions, industries and government agencies.
It was an attempt to address shortages in some labour-intensive occupations many Thais ignore. Among them are construction, animal husbandry, farming, fishery and garments, jewellery and shoe making.
Currently, migrant workers are banned from working in 39 occupations under a 1979 royal decree relating to occupations and professions which bans foreigners in the roles.
According to the participants, migrant workers could be allowed to do those jobs but with certain conditions applied. For example, they must be hired under MoU contracts only and should not operate independently.
It was proposed that traditional massages should be added to the list of occupations reserved for Thai nationals.
Jarin Jakkaphak, permanent secretary for labour, said yesterday the findings were not conclusive and the Labour Ministry wanted more opinions because the issue would have widespread impacts.
He said more forums would be hosted to gather opinions and the findings would be forwarded to the government committee supervising policy on the management of migrant workers.
The committee, chaired by the labour minister, would make a proposal and submit it to the cabinet for approval. When approved, the ministerial regulations would be announced.
"We have to be able to justify why we have to 'unlock' those occupations," he said.
The issue of occupations which foreigners are prohibited from is in line with Section 7 of the 2018 executive decree on the management of migrant workers which took effect on March 26.
National security, job security and local wisdom should be given due consideration when changes are made to the list of occupations.
Sombat Nivesrat, deputy chief of the Department of Employment, said even though some jobs would be de-listed, certain jobs require skill sets that migrants must meet. Jobs cannot be taken at will.
