Labour shortage a blessing for migrant workers

Migrant workers from Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia whose work permits expire next year are being allowed to continue working in Thailand for up to two more years.

Permission for the legally registered migrant workers to stay longer was approved at the weekly cabinet meeting on Tuesday, according to deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek.

She said the decision would benefit about 130,000 such migrant workers around the country but it only relates to those recruited under a labour agreement signed by the respective countries.

Migrant workers who complete four years of employment here in December next year would normally be required to return to their home countries before being being allowed to re-apply for…