Labor Cabinet Resolution for Foreign Workers

On September 24, 2024, the following issues were discussed at the cabinet meeting of the Prime Minister of Thailand regarding foreign workers.

Regarding the employment of foreigners, foreigners who have entered Thailand illegally, foreigners whose legal residence and work permits in Thailand have expired, or foreigners who have a legal residence and work permit but are working with an employer without permission can apply for a legal residence and work permit in the country. Once granted, they will be allowed to live and work in the country for 1 year.

Foreigners who have been granted work permits until February 13, 2025, can apply for an additional 2-year residence permit in accordance with the government’s decisions on extending their work permit, for a total of 4 years.

Then, to make it easier for foreigners to change employers, the period for foreigners to search for a new employer after leaving their previous job has been extended from the previous 30 days to 60 days.

Steps for those who want to create a new certificate ( Pink Card)

 

Steps for those who want to create a new certificate ( Pink Card)

 

     1.Employers must submit their employee nominations online or to the Employment Service Office.

  1. The employer must apply for a work permit on behalf of the foreign worker and submit supporting documents such as a doctor’s prescription, health insurance/social security insurance, employer documents, and the application fee either online or at a location designated by the Employment Office. Once the application is approved, the foreign worker will receive a work permit valid for 1 year.
  1. Foreigners must submit personal information to the Immigration Department Headquarters (1) and the relevant Regional Immigration Bureau Office and designated locations.
  1. Bangkok district and district area, or District Administration Department, documentation will continue to be carried out at designated locations.

Steps for extending  for foreigners entering with an MOU 

  1. Employers must submit a list of names of workers based on their need for foreign workers to the Department of Employment by February 13, 2025, either online or through the Employment Service.
  2. Foreigners must leave Thailand or go to a designated location with a signed Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries and re-enter as workers according to the MOU system.
  3. After verifying the nationality records of the relevant country, the employer must complete the application for work permit on behalf of the foreign worker and payment of service fees by February 13, 2025. If the application is approved, the foreigner will be granted a work permit for 2 years, with the possibility of extending it for another 2 years, depending on the performance of the relevant department.
  4. The right to change employers, the period for foreigners to search for a new employer after leaving their previous job has been extended from the previous 30 days to 60 days.
  5. If your work permit is valid and you change employers, you will need to find an employer and be notified by the employer.

Children (dependents) of foreigners 

  • The names of children of foreign workers under 18 years of age who live with their parents have also been notified to the relevant departments, and they will then be allowed to live in Thailand with their parents.
  • If the child later turns 18 and wants to work in Thailand, they must apply for a residence and work permit in Thailand within 60 days of the child turning 18.

The above guidelines were approved and decided at the second meeting of the Foreign Workers Work Management Policy Committee (Khaw Baw Taw) on 2/2024