Myanmar migrants in Thailand urged to get passports

Myanmar migrants in Thailand urged to get passports

Published on Monday, 26 May 2014 06:31

Myanmar workers in Thailand should take advantage of applying for permanent passports in lieu of temporary travel documents upon the expiration of their work visas, according to Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security.

The workers do not have to travel back to their homeland as their passport applications can be processed at Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok since March 10.

The permanent passports would shield migrants from falling prey to illegal brokers and extortion schemes.

Since activating the passport service two months ago, some 800 applicants have availed themselves of this service and about 52 workers are now passport holders, the ministry said.

Myanmar authorities reminded the workers that the service would be offered within a limited timeframe for those migrants with expiring four-year stay permit.

Under a bilateral agreement with Thailand, Myanmar migrants do not have to return home for three years before reapplying for a new visa. Based on the new rules, they can have their stay permit renewed after having their passport issued. With new passport, they would then apply for visa and work permit at Thai border checkpoints in Mae Sot, Ranong and Mae Sai.

To process passport applications in Bangkok, workers are required to submit relevant documents, including home registration and national registration card, in order to verify the citizenship.

Workers with incomplete documentation would have to return and apply for travel document in Myanmar.

For more information, workers can call the following telephone numbers – 067 430 184-85 and 067 430 284.

Source: http://www.news.myanmaronlinecentre.com/2014/05/26/myanmar-migrants-in-thailand-urged-to-get-passports/