The Ministry of Labour of Myanmar’s National Unity Government (NUG) has called on the Thai government to maintain support for Myanmar migrant workers by continuing the issuance of Pink Cards and processing visa and work permit extensions according to previous procedures.
In an official statement released on December 4, the NUG’s Ministry of Labour expressed gratitude for the Thai government’s assistance in issuing Non-Thai Identification Cards (Pink Cards) for undocumented Myanmar migrant workers as per its request. The ministry also welcomed efforts that allowed workers with valid documents like passports or CI to renew their visas and permits in Thailand without returning to Myanmar.
However, the NUG has raised concerns over recent changes to the process, which have made it more difficult for workers. These changes include the requirement for workers’ personal information to be shared with Myanmar’s military junta, the need for workers to pay additional taxes and remit funds through junta-controlled financial institutions using exchange rates dictated by the junta, and an increase in processing fees. The NUG warned that these changes could impose significant financial burdens on migrant workers, who are already vulnerable due to the oppressive actions of Myanmar’s military regime.
The ministry emphasized that the new measures indirectly support the junta by facilitating foreign currency transfers, which could be used to fund military operations against civilians in Myanmar. The NUG urged the Thai government to resist enabling the junta’s actions and to ensure that Myanmar migrant workers, who play a crucial role in Thailand’s economy, are not subjected to increased hardship.
The ministry appealed to the Thai government to revert to the previous visa and work permit procedures, ensuring the continued support of Myanmar’s migrant workers.
As of now, at least 3 million Myanmar migrants (both documented and undocumented) reside in Thailand, many of whom are employed in labor-intensive industries.
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