Thailand Approves Sri Lankan Worker Import Agreement

Labour Minister Julphand Amornvivat announced on September 8 that the Cabinet has approved a memorandum of understanding on labour cooperation and an employment agreement between Thailand and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka for hiring Sri Lankan workers in Thailand. The Labour Minister has been authorized to sign both documents without requiring full powers of attorney exchange.

Amornvivat stated that the agreement is part of measures to address labour shortages in Thailand's economic and industrial sectors, with Sri Lanka designated as a pilot country to provide alternative sources of workers. This follows border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia that caused many Cambodian workers to return home. Worker imports must be conducted systematically, lawfully, and in accordance with genuine employment needs.

The agreement covers recruitment and placement processes, health checks, criminal background verification, employment contracts, work permits, health insurance, orientation, and return travel. Employment contracts run for two years and can be renewed for another two years before workers return home. Workers are guaranteed fair treatment and benefits under Thai law without discrimination.

Both documents are effective for five years and automatically renew for five-year periods. Thailand and Sri Lanka will exchange labour market information, develop worker skills, prevent illegal employment and human trafficking, and monitor and resolve issues to ensure transparent and efficient cooperation with proper worker protections.

Amornvivat said the agreement will help the government oversee worker imports from source to destination, reducing risks from illegal recruitment, excessive fees, human trafficking, and illegal entry. Employers will have clear channels to hire workers, while workers gain protection in wages, benefits, health, and working conditions under Thai law.