MOL clarifies the nationality verification of Myanmar worker

                 Mr. Phaithoon Kaeothong, Minister of Labour to MOL, revealed that as from the news published on 21 December 2009 relating to the nationality verification of Myanmar workers accusing that MOL offers 3 private companies to take benefits and collect service charge from nationality verification.
                 MOL indicated that Myanmar has set up three nationality verification centers in  Tachilek Province, Meawadee Province and Koh Song Province. The process of national verification of Myanmar workers is as follows; the Myanmar shall send an application form of nationality verification to Thailand in order for Myanmar workers to fill the details in Burmese Language, and then Thailand officials would collect the form and send to Myanmar for examining and certifying Myanmar Nationality. After that, Myanmar will inform the name list of those who pass examination to verify their nationality at three centers in Myanmer.
                  Minister of Labour indicated that MOL would be then requested to send the name list of eligible workers to Minister of Interior to ask for permission to go out of the area for verifying the nationality by 3 means which are go for nationality verification in person with official letter authorized from Ministry of Interior, or otherwise the employer can take workers to verify in Myanmar or authorize the representative of the agency to proceed in substitute.
                 Besides, MOL has published a guideline on national verification practice on Department of Employment website at www.doe.go.th and distribute to the employers and employees to implement by themselves accurately. Also MOL facilitate Myanmar workers to go for nationality verification and enabling them to return to Thailand legally after completion. The verification centers were established in three provinces namely Maesod in Tak province, Mae Sai district in Chiangrai province and Muang district in Ranong province. The immigration Bureau will verify and stamp for authorization to issue residential permit to alien workers who passed nationality verification and return to Thailand.
                 However, the problems of application form of nationality verification is considered since most Myanmar workers have literacy problem. Therefore, Myanmar government proposes Private Company to precede this matter with the authorization from Myanmar Embassy and acknowledged by Thai government. Currently, there are 10 private companies authorized from Myanmar government. Myanmar government will collect Passport fee for 3,000 Kyat or equivalent to 100 baht and Thai government will charge Visa fee for 500 baht.
                 Whereas the employer or alien workers authorizes private company to proceed the national verification, the service fee shall be charged for documentary expenses, travel expenses, residences and accommodation fee depends on the destination.