Thai Labour Ministry addresses worker transfer issue in Israel amidst unrest

The issue of Thai workers being sold to other employers in Israel was addressed by Pairoj Chotiksathien, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour today. He clarified that the transfer of workers to new employers does not violate Israeli labour law, following an investigation by the Labour Attaché in Tel Aviv.

Pairoj disclosed today that he ordered the Labour Attaché in Tel Aviv to visit Thai workers at evacuation points. Forty-two workers had moved out of the Mochev area, and 25 of them registered to return to Thailand. Four wished to change jobs, and the remaining workers stayed with their original employers.

The Labour Attaché also explained to the workers about the benefits from the Overseas Employment Fund and negotiated unpaid wages and Pitshuim funds, expecting the 25 workers to return to Thailand on October 18, reported KhaoSod.

Regarding the situation of Thai workers affected by the unrest in Israel, Pairoj reported that as of yesterday, 13 Thai workers had been injured, all male, with two in serious condition. The others recuperated at the workers’ camp, and the confirmation of 25 fatalities was pending. There were also 14 Thai workers held hostage. The number of Thai workers wishing to return to Thailand increased to 5,205.

The first group of 15 workers was scheduled to return to Thailand tomorrow. The Ministry of Labour planned to assist at Suvarnabhumi International Airport with registration procedures, benefits from the Overseas Employment Fund, and various social security rights. Labour officials from the workers’ home provinces would pick them up for their onward journey.

Labour Minister Piphat Ratchakitprakarn reported yesterday that the first group of Thai people evacuated from Israel due to the Israel-Hamas conflict will arrive in Thailand tomorrow, Thursday, October 12. The first five Thais will arrive at 10.35am and another 10 at 12.35pm.

Advisor to the Ambassador of the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv, Kitrana Srisuriya, revealed the number of affected Thai workers in Israel during a meeting with Labour Ministry authorities. To read more click HERE

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