12 professions for migrants, 28 others reserved for Thais

Labour Ministry, June 22 – The labour minister has announced 12 professions opened for migrant workers and 28 professions reserved for Thai people. At shops, migrant workers are not allowed to handle cash. Labour Minister Adul Sangsingkeo said his committee on migrant workers’ jobs approved the lists of reserved jobs for Thais and jobs available for migrant workers. According to him, of the 12 professions available for migrant workers, labour is open without a condition. Eight professions are available on the condition that they are employees. They are farming, construction, mattress and quilt production, and the making of knives, shoes, hats, clothing and ceramics. Accounting, civil engineering and architecture are also available under Asean conditions and workers are required to have professional certificates. The Labour Ministry reserves 28 professions for Thai people comprising handicraft professions, the production of Buddha images, driving, vending at shops, auction, hairdressing, brokerage, tour guide services, street vending, secretarial and legal services, and Thai massage. Migrants could work at shops but were allowed only to serve products and assist in sales. They must not collect money or give changes. At salons, they could only clean premises and wash customers’ hands and feet and must not cut or wash hair and cut or paint nails, Pol Gen Adul said. The new lists of the jobs will take effect on July 1 and will be strictly imposed in August. (TNA)