Sri Lanka Secures 10,000 Jobs in Thailand Under New Labour Agreement

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka and Thailand have taken steps towards strengthening bilateral labour cooperation, signing two landmark agreements that will pave the way for the structured recruitment and employment of Sri Lankan workers in Thailand while ensuring their rights, welfare and legal protection.

The agreements, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Labour Cooperation and a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on the Employment of Sri Lankan Workers in Thailand, were signed in Bangkok on 14 September by Sri Lanka's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, and Thailand's Minister of Labour, Julapun Amornvivat.

The two agreements follow extensive negotiations between the authorities of both countries and establish a transparent and regulated framework for the recruitment and employment of Sri Lankan workers in Thailand.

The signing is being viewed as a significant milestone in expanding safe, regular and mutually beneficial labour mobility between the two nations.

As part of the initiative, the Thai Cabinet has approved the recruitment of an initial 10,000 Sri Lankan workers through the newly established legal framework to help address labour shortages in Thailand.

The Memorandum of Understanding provides a broad framework for cooperation in areas including labour policies and practices, labour market information exchange, skills development, labour productivity, labour protection and measures to combat illegal recruitment and human trafficking.

Meanwhile, the Memorandum of Agreement outlines the operational framework for the recruitment and employment process, covering transparent recruitment procedures, employment contracts, visa and work permit arrangements, legal protection, worker welfare, as well as return and repatriation mechanisms.

Together, the two agreements are expected to facilitate the orderly migration of Sri Lankan workers while ensuring their safety and rights throughout their employment period in Thailand.

Minister Vijitha Herath welcomed the opportunity extended by the Royal Thai Government for Sri Lankan nationals to seek employment in Thailand and stressed the importance of safeguarding workers' rights, welfare and social security benefits.

He also highlighted the need to establish a Joint Working Group to oversee, monitor and review the implementation of the agreements.

During discussions, Minister Herath further requested Thailand's consideration in expanding employment opportunities for Sri Lankan nationals, particularly young people, in sectors such as Information Technology and Tourism, creating new pathways for skilled employment and supporting the development of Sri Lanka's emerging workforce.

Thailand's Labour Minister Julapun Amornvivat assured that Sri Lankan workers recruited under the new framework would enjoy equal rights and protections under Thai labour laws, including legally mandated wages, employee benefits and healthcare facilities.

He noted that the agreements go beyond worker recruitment and provide a foundation for broader labour cooperation aimed at strengthening the workforce capabilities of both countries in line with evolving labour market and economic demands.

The Sri Lankan Government views Thailand and the wider Southeast Asian region as increasingly important destinations for overseas employment as the country continues efforts to diversify foreign labour markets and create new opportunities for its workforce.

Officials also believe that the social and cultural similarities between Sri Lanka and many Southeast Asian nations will enable Sri Lankan workers to adapt more easily to their new professional and living environments.