Thailand grants work rights to long-term refugees from Myanmar, UN welcomes move
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Htet Nadi (NP News) - August 30
Thailand has approved a landmark resolution granting work rights to long-staying refugees from Myanmar, a move welcomed by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) as a boost to both refugee livelihoods and the Thai economy.
The new policy applies to thousands of people who have been living for decades in nine temporary shelters along the Thai-Myanmar border. Around 81,000 refugees remain in these camps, with nearly half of them born in displacement and dependent on humanitarian aid.
UNHCR’s Representative in Thailand, Tammi Sharpe, hailed the decision as a “turning point” for both refugees and host communities.
“By unlocking the potential of these individuals, Thailand is not only upholding humanitarian principles but also making a strategic investment in its own future,” she said.
While the resolution will initially cover a limited number of refugees, UNHCR pledged to continue working with the Thai Government to expand access to legal employment and integrate displaced populations more fully into society.
The decision comes as international aid for refugees faces steep budget cuts. According to UNHCR, $25.4 million is required in 2025 to sustain its Thailand office, which also coordinates support for Cambodia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and Vietnam.