Julphan revealed the Cabinet approved an MOU to legally import Sri Lankan workers to support the economy and industry, noting it helps the government supervise the entire labor import process from origin to destination.
On 8 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Julphan Amornwiwat, Minister of Labor, stated that the Cabinet approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on labor cooperation and an agreement between the governments of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka regarding the employment of Sri Lankan workers in Thailand, as proposed by the Ministry of Labor. The Cabinet authorized the Minister of Labor to sign both documents without exchanging full powers letters.
Mr. Julphan said this agreement is part of measures to address labor shortages in the country's economic and industrial sectors. Sri Lanka has been designated a pilot country to expand options for sourcing replacement workers after the situation at the Thai-Cambodian border led to some Cambodian workers returning home. The labor import must be systematic, lawful, and meet genuine employment needs.
The key points of this MOU and agreement cover the entire process: recruitment and dispatch, health and criminal background checks, pre-departure employment contracts, visa and work permit applications, health insurance, orientation, and return travel. Employment contracts last two years, renewable for another two years before workers return home. It also ensures workers are treated fairly and receive benefits under the contract and Thai law without discrimination.
Both documents are effective for five years and automatically renew every five years. Thailand and Sri Lanka will exchange labor market information, develop workforce skills, prevent illegal employment and human trafficking, and monitor and resolve issues to ensure transparent, efficient employment that properly protects workers' rights.
"This agreement enables the government to oversee labor importation fully, reducing risks from illegal recruitment, excessive fees, illegal immigration, and human trafficking. Employers gain a clear channel to source workers, while workers receive protection regarding wages, welfare, health, and working conditions under the law," he added.