Thailand to open first CI centre for migrant workers in Samut Sakhon

Thailand’s Labour Ministry is set to open its first Certificate of Identity (CI) centre in Samut Sakhon next month, targeting support for migrant workers needing proof-of-status documents and aiming to maintain economic stability.

The initiative, announced after a meeting of the National Committee on Migrant Workers Management, will assist labourers from Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. The CI centre will facilitate the issuance of travel documents (TD) for these migrants, particularly those whose work permits are due to expire on October 31.

Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Labour Minister, confirmed the committee’s decision to establish the CI centre. It represents a significant effort to streamline the documentation process for migrant workers, ensuring they have the necessary paperwork to continue working legally in Thailand.

Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director of the Department of Employment (DoE), stated that the flagship CI centre would operate in Samut Sakhon until April. The possibility of opening additional centres will be evaluated based on the demand observed at the initial location, said Somchai.

“If demand is high, we will consider launching more centres.”

This move aligns with last October’s Cabinet resolution, which mandated the registration of all migrant workers across the country by October 31. The resolution aims to ensure that all migrant workers are documented and legally recognised.

The panel expressed concerns regarding delays in setting up a comprehensive database for migrant workers, noting that such delays could adversely affect the business sector and the protection rights of the workers.

In response to these concerns, Somchai mentioned that the DoE has proposed a two-year permit extension for migrant workers. This proposal, set out in a memorandum, aims to mitigate the negative impacts of a potential worker shortage on the business sector, reported Bangkok Post.

“We urge employers to register and renew the status of their migrant workers within the given timeframe,” Somchai advised.