Thailand proposes longer migrant permits and Sri Lankan recruitment

Thailand is seeking to ease labour shortages through longer permits for migrant workers and recruitment from Sri Lanka. Labour Minister Julapun Amornvivat outlined the proposals on Nov 9, 2026, following a migrant-worker committee meeting, saying they would go to cabinet for approval.

Julapun said conditions along Thailand’s border with Cambodia, together with fighting in Myanmar, had disrupted the movement of workers from those two countries.

The committee proposed waiving the customary 30-day work break for Lao and Myanmar nationals recruited under labour import memorandums of understanding if their permits expire between Jan 1, 2026, and Dec 31, 2027. They could return to work after obtaining visa stamps at checkpoints near the border with their home country.

Another proposal would give 2.3 million migrant workers with permits ending on Feb 13 and March 31, 2027, extensions until Feb 13, 2029. Migrants working illegally would be allowed a one-year period of employment in Thailand.

Recruitment of Sri Lankan workers would start in early 2027. Their permits would last two years and could be renewed for a further two years.

For Myanmar refugees, jobs within the district containing their camp would no longer require a work permit. Those employed in other districts would receive two-year permits rather than one-year permits. Refugees could approach officials near their new workplace to arrange extensions or request permission to change employers.