The Labour Ministry has expedited efforts to fast-track the national verification process for Myanmar labourers so they can secure permits to legally work in Thailand.
Speaking during an inspection of one of the nine centres overseeing the nationality verification of Myanmar migrants in Muang district of Samut Prakan, new Labour Minister Adul Sangsingkeo yesterday said that, as of Wednesday, the centre has been able to issue a certificate of identity (CI) to 123,000 Myanmar labourers and temporary work permits to 36,912 others.
Migrant labourers are required to go through a verification process to secure a CI, a certifying document confirming their nationality which is used for acquiring a work permit.
The inspections aim to address any delays at the centres and other similar units in a bid to streamline migrant workers' applications to legally work in the country.
According to figures submitted by the nine centres, only 800,000 of over two million Myanmar nationals have completed the national verification process so far.
Pol Gen Adul said he believed Thai authorities will be able to complete the issuance of work permits to the remaining 1.2 million Myanmar nationals before the deadline of March 31, next year.
Delays in registering all the Myanmar labourers resulted from an over-complicated and time-consuming process, said Pol Gen Adul, who has now instructed authorities to improve the system.
He said the ministry was holding discussions with Thai immigration officials and Myanmar authorities stationed at the centres, as well as health officials who provide check-ups for the workers.
All processes will now be enhanced in order to provide a speedier service while each unit must have its chief systemise every step of the procedure and report any issues to senior management.
In addition, the centres will be required to improve their facilities, such as toilets and canteens, Pol Gen Adul said.
