“Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand struggle with skyrocketing work permit renewal fees”

Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand are facing financial hardships as broker fees for work permit renewals soar, often exceeding their monthly incomes. The extension of the work permit period by the Thai government has led to increased fees, with brokers charging between 1.4 million Kyats (11,000 baht) and 2.4 million Kyats (18,500 baht), depending on employment status.

Last year, renewal fees were approximately 7,000 baht, but this year they have nearly doubled.

Official government fees for extending valid work permits, such as the so-called ‘pink card’, stand at 6,000 baht. However, most workers depend on brokers due to language barriers, fear of questioning, and the complex application process.

The daily minimum wage for blue-collar workers in Thailand is 363 baht, and so, an average monthly income of just over 9,000 baht. This means many workers are forced to pay renewal fees that exceed their monthly earnings.

A Myanmar factory worker in Bangkok shared her struggles, saying, “All four of us in my family needed to extend our permits, costing over 50,000 baht. With only two of us employed, we simply don’t have enough money to cover it.”…

[The Resource Centre was unable to identify Metro factory to invite it to respond; if a response is received in future, this page will be updated accordingly.