NGO meet broods over deportation of migrant laborers

NGO meet broods over deportation of migrant laborers

The second day of the seminar on alien labor issues continues with discussions on reports about forced deportation of alien laborers especially from Burma.

According to the reports, all those who are unable to prove they have been in Thailand before B.E. 2528 (1985) shall be arrested and repatriated following the deadline on 25 August this year, regardless of any government-issued identification papers they possess. The immigration department has already been allotted B. 80 million ($1.8 million) to detain and deport 300,000 illegal migrants. 

"We won't be able to help all of them," one participant said. "But for those who will be in danger of being persecuted by the Burmese authorities and those whose families will be torn apart by the Thai government's action, we might be able to help." 

The seminar also discussed the feasibility of setting up an independent commission on alien labor. 

Tomorrow's session is expected to be joined by representatives from various government departments.