Thousands of Myanmar refugees residing in Thailand will now have the opportunity to work legally. The country’s cabinet approved this policy decision on Wednesday.
According to government data, over 42,000 working-age refugees have been living in nine camps along the Thai-Myanmar border since 1984. They will be prioritized for inclusion in the labor market, benefiting a total of around 80,000 refugees.
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) welcomed the move, noting that it will allow refugees to support their families and contribute to the local economy, while reducing their reliance on humanitarian aid. The agency described the initiative as a “strategic investment” that could boost Thailand’s GDP in the long term.
Thailand recently faced a labor shortage following border tensions with Cambodia. Approximately 520,000 Cambodian workers left the country, reducing the workforce by around 12 percent. This highlighted the growing need for foreign labor in agriculture, construction, and service sectors.
Thai government spokesperson Jirayut Hongsub said that ensuring employment for refugees will not only strengthen the local economy but also open new opportunities for generations who have lived in camps for over four decades.
The United Nations believes this initiative could serve as a global model for supporting displaced populations during times of humanitarian aid constraints.
Source: Al Arabiya