Currently being carried out nation-wide, the verification is required so the ministry can replace its annual alien-labour registration with a system of legal labour import. The plan is expected to take effect next year.

Songkhla's employment office together with the immigration office in the province has set up a centre to handle the verification process for alien workers living in Songkhla, Phatthalung, Trang, Satun, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat.

Officials from Laos and Cambodia are joining Thai officials in verifying nationalities

as the majority of the alien workers are from these two countries, said Sayan Chueychan, the head of Songkhla's employment office.

Verifying nationality, which started last week, needed to be finished by the end of August, he said.

Labour permanent secretary Chuthatawat Indrasuksri said last week illegal workers who

have their nationalities verified by authorities in their country will be treated as legal workers and permitted to continue to work here.

It was estimated that there are about 99,000 illegal Lao and Cambodian workers in Thailand. The ministry plans to begin repatriating illegal workers by next year when the proposed amendments to the law on employment and labour protection take effect.

Those with verified nationality will be issued a temporary certificate of identity.

Santiphab Ramasut

The Nation

Songkhla