Comprehensive CI and Permit Centers Open now until August 2022 to Facilitate Migrant Workers from Myanmar

Thai and Myanmar Ministries open the center to issue Certificate of Identity (CI) and facilitate the stay and work permit application process for Myanmar workers in 5 locations in Thailand.

January 11, 2022. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Thailand and neighboring countries have issued strict public health and COVID-19 prevention measures that may have affected migrant workers’ return to countries of origin to obtain their necessary travel documents. The higher cost and more complicated procedures have affected both migrant workers and their employers.

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan–o-cha and Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan have placed high importance on and closely monitored this issue since it could result in labor shortage and lead to labor smuggling.

Following the July 13, 2021, Cabinet resolution, Thai Ministry of Labour, together with Immigration Bureau and Myanmar authorities, have set up the centers that facilitate the CI issuance as well as the stay and work permit application/extension process for Myanmar migrant workers in 5 provinces, namely Chonburi, Chiang Mai, Ranong, Samut Prakarn, and Samut Sakorn.

The centers are currently in operation until August 1, 2022. Open from Monday-Saturday (except Thai public holidays), the centers have the capacity to service up to 450-500 people per day, subject to each province’s COVID-19 measures.

Work Permit Application Process

To apply for Thai work permit, Myanmar workers are required to follow the following steps:

Pay a 310-baht fee at counter services in order to book the in-person appointment in advance.
Be present at the center on the date and time booked. All workers are required to take a COVID-19 antigen test provided by the center.
Go through 5 service counters at the center.

(1) Background/document check and identification (photo to be taken and fingerprints collected at this counter)

(2) Information update

(3) Certificate of Identity issuance

(4) Overseas Worker Identification Card (OWIC) issuance

(5) Troubleshoot/ Additional document check

Officers from Myanmar Immigration Bureau, Ministry of Interior, and Ministry of Labour are also present at the centers to help facilitate the documentation process.

Once receive the CI, have all documents verified by the Thai Department of Employment.

– Those with work permit that expires no later than February 13, 2022, the officers will check their work permit and other information such as health insurance.

– Those who have not applied for or requested for extension of work permit are required to do so by submitting Bor Tor 50 form at the center within March 31, 2022. The officers will then check other information such as health insurance.

– Those who wish to update information on their work permit, such as name of employer and current address, are to submit the Bor Tor 44 form at the center.