97 Myanmar migrant workers with fake visas detained in Thailand

This photo taken on July 7, 2017 shows migrant workers disembarking from an official service truck from Thailand at the Myanmar immigration office in Myawaddy. AFP FILE PHOTO

NAYPYITAW — Approximately 100 Myanmar migrant workers have been found holding fake visas in Thailand, said Labor Attaché San Maung Oo of Myanmar embassy to Thailand.

Ninety-seven Myanmar migrant workers were found holding fake visas in Thailand while Thai immigration service personnel were making checks on them during June and July. Thai authorities have continued making checks.

“Thai authorities made checks on Myanmar migrant workers. It is called one year non-immigration visa.  They have visas. It gives 90 days to stay. If 90 days are up, go to present a report. When they go to present reports, their visas are faked. A number of Myanmar migrant works holding the fake visas are 97 in total. Therefore, our two countries are planning to reveal those making fake visas,” said Labor Attaché San Maung Oo.

The Thai government has started launching an inspection of illegal foreign migrant workers since July 1. A large number of Myanmar migrant workers were arrested. 

The Thai immigration law already stated how to take actions against those who are undocumented or those with wrong documents and those with incomplete documents. No employer has been arrested. It is like as usual. There is no employer who wants to be arrested. They clear their cases giving money to officials. Only the employees who can’t afford have been arrested, said Moe Gyo.

Fake visas are taking place the most at Thailand-Myanmar border gates. The fake visas came from the brokers of the visa.

Except visa on arrival, the remaining kinds of visas can be applied at Thai Embassy to Myanmar by holding passports. But at the border gate, no need to go to Yangon. Visa is available at the border gate. It takes only one day if a passport is given. Brokers act it. Fake visas appear because of the brokers, said San Maung Oo.

Myanmar migrant workers holding the fake visas have been kept in the detention camps for further inspection. 

In-charge U Soe of JACBA confirmed that the Thai authorities arrested 60 Myanmar migrant workers early this morning. According to the existing law of Thailand, those holding fake visas might receive a six-month imprisonment.