Minister of Labour Negotiates with Myanmar to Increase Nationality Verification Officials

Written by HRDF
Wednesday, 26 January 2011 16:00

Mr. Chalermchai Sri-on, the Minister of Labour, today commented on the results of his trip to
Myanmar between 22nd to 24th January 2010 to meet Mr Mong Min, the Deputy Minister of
Foreign Affairs for Myanmar. The Minister said the trip was intended to discuss the existing
nationality verification process (NV) for alien workers that has been proceeding slowly,
particularly as a result of border closures.

Myanmar confirmed that the government would cooperate with the Ministry of Labour regarding
NV of alien workers from Myanmar so that the process could be completed by 28th February
2012. It was likely Myanmar officials would remain at the NV post in Ranong Province, and in
addition Myanmar officials would be sent to NV posts in Mae Sai in Chiangrai Province also.

At the moment, the Mae Sot NV post in Tak Province faced challenges as the border has been
closed and this has resulted in the inability for the NV post to function. As a result, Myanmar is
prepared to send officials to other NV posts inside Thailand instead as a replacement for this
NV post in Mae Sot. It is expected that such post could be opened in Nakhon Sawaan Province.

In addition, the Myanmar authorities requested Thailand to open for a new migrant worker
registration. The Myanmar authorities affirmed that that they would provide all requested
assistance in proceeding with this issue to the greatest extent possible. Formally Myanmar
authorities will adjust their electronic information systems so that the government is able to
produce identification cards to prove alien workers in Thailand are Myanmar citizens. If the Thai
government opens registration or opens for extension and there are still migrants being
smuggled into the country, Myanmar welcome Thailand to proceed according to law.

Thailand’s Minister of Labour additionally reported that if there is a new opening for registration,
the Department of Employment will send mobile vehicles to the provinces to enable registration.
In addition, the Myanmar authorities requested Thai authorities to survey the number of alien
workers in Thailand with clarity and confirm numbers to the Myanmar Embassy in Thailand so
that the Embassy can provide identification documents and related documents to confirm status
so that migrant workers are able to complete NV. In relation to the fresh import of migrant
workers in accordance with the law, this issue remains under negotiations but it is clear the
method to be used will create a central role for broker companies in Myanmar.

Mr. Andy Hall

Consultant to the Human Rights and Development Foundation (HRDF)
+66 (0) 846 119209
andy@hrdfoundation.org

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