Migrant workers worry over new regulations

Migrant workers worry over new regulations

Immigrant laborers who are renewing their work permits between 15 September- 15 October tell S.H.A.N. the revised policy on "Irregular Immigrant Workers" have created some problems for them. 

"Unlike previous registrations, we shall be required to fill up a form called Tor Dor 13, that states we must declare our addresses in our home country," complained a young man from northern Shan State," in addition to the names of our parents." 

Many expressed concern that the stipulation might get the families back home in harm's way, if the information were placed in the hands of Rangoon authorities. "On the other hand, if we don't give the correct address, the junta might say it doesn't have any citizen with such a name at the said location. That might cause trouble for us when the time comes to return home." 

Some are not unduly concerned. "Many for us are using different names here anyway," said one. "And when the time comes, we'll certainly find a way out." 

Nang Noom, 35, who is working as a housemaid, said the Labor Ministry's new condition did not pose any problem for her. "The only home that I ever had back in Laikha was destroyed along with others in 1997 (during the forced relocation campaign waged by Rangoon that displaced 1,500 villages in central Shan State)," she said. "So, for myself, I can write anything down." 

Many others said they had yet to decide what to do about it. "We'll make inquiries and consult among ourselves before we make up our minds," said one. 

The positive feature of the new policy, all agree, is that those who had registered in September last year (first phase) but failed to renew their permits in February (second phase) because they were working with new employers are now allowed to re-register albeit paying a 1,000 baht fine each. However, registration for newcomers, to the disappointment of many, is yet to be embraced by the revised policy. 

A total of 568,249 migrants registered between 24 September and 25 October last year.