BANGKOK, Thailand – In a statement on its official website, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has commended the Royal Thai Government for adopting a resolution that will grant long-staying refugees from Myanmar the right to work. The policy shift will enable approximately 81,000 forcibly displaced people in temporary shelters along the Thai-Myanmar border to work legally in the country.
Many of these refugees have been living in the camps for decades, with around 47 percent of them having been born in the shelters and remaining entirely dependent on humanitarian aid. The new policy will allow them to support themselves and their families.
UNHCR’s Representative in Thailand, Tammi Sharpe, called the move a “turning point” and a “strategic investment” in Thailand’s own future. She stated that by unlocking the potential of these individuals, the policy transforms hosting refugees into an engine of growth for the nation, stimulating local economies and promoting job creation.
The UNHCR noted that this resolution sets a new regional benchmark for sustainable refugee solutions. While the policy currently applies to a limited number of refugees, the agency continues to advocate for the inclusion of all refugees and stands ready to support the Thai government in its implementation. (NNT)
