EDITORIAL BANGKOK POST: OPINION- Make it easier for migrants

In a bid to better monitor migrant workers in the wake of the new Covid-19 outbreak, the government has decided to grant an amnesty to undocumented labourers from neighbouring countries, namely Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia, and allow them to stay and work in the country for another two years. This definitely the right move.

Under the new policy, illegal workers are encouraged to register with the Labour Ministry, from Jan 15 to Feb 13, to apply for the so-called “pink card” — a temporary work permit. The amnesty is being extended to those who are not employed. They will be given seven months to find work. Migrant workers’ children will also be allowed to stay, if they are already in Thailand and are not over 18 years old at the time of registration.

Yet, critics have cautioned that not many undocumented workers will come to register from Jan 15, given the financial burden of around 10,000 baht per person that follows the registration.

Each worker is required to pay for a health check-up and a Covid-19 test that amounts to 3,000 baht. In additional, each needs to purchase two years’ medical insurance, at 3,800 baht in total, as well as the registration fee of 1,900 baht.

Such costs might make illegal workers and their employers think twice. Therefore, the government’s intention to monitor illegal workers will be thwarted.

While there should be no free lunch, the Labour Ministry must make the registration process affordable and easy for labourers and employers.

In order to contain the virus better, the state should give illegal migrants Covid tests, as well as some other medical services, free of charge.

Pragmatism and affordability would ensure success.

Meanwhile, the Labour Ministry should offer a health insurance instalment plan that allows workers or employers to pay insurance fees monthly, not in a lump sum. Some critics may not agree with this idea, as it could be interpreted as pampering, but it’s undeniable that carrots, not sticks, will enable the government to achieve its amnesty goal.

Indeed, if PM Prayut Chan-o-cha wants to eradicate labour smuggling gangs or human trafficking, he must adopt transparent migrant labour management policies and practices. Do not forget that labour smugglers exist and thrive only under archaic and complicated labour laws and costly procedures.

Here are some recommendations for the Labour Ministry. Among the easier steps is to open more one-stop services where migrant workers can go to renew their work permits and passports, with translation services to assist with the paperwork.

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For employers, the state should encourage them to hire documented workers with some incentives, tax breaks or financial instalment plans for registration fees and health insurance for migrant workers.

At the same time, the government should also create a reward system for employers who take good care of their workers.

There should be more monitoring and social attention given to welfare and the living conditions of these workers. After all, migrant workers are part of the economy. They are not just part of the country’s workforce; they are also residents, and neighbours. Taking good care of them instead of exploiting them will pay off.

The Covid-19 outbreak is a crisis that has exposed problems in the country’s migrant labour policies and practices. But with every crisis comes opportunities. The government clearly spotted an opportunity in deciding to legalise those undocumented workers. All it needs to do now is to make things easier for them.

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