Official unable to repatriate illegal foreign workers

Officials unable to repatriate illegal foreign workers

Officials say they need a clear mechanism if they are to repatriate illegal foreign workers and traders as instructed by the government.

Although the government has issued instructions to repatriate foreigners who are working and trading illegally in Laos if their situations fail to meet the criteria for legalising their status, the absence of a suitable mechanism means officials are unable to effect the repatriation, a report from the Labour and Social Welfare Ministry has suggested.

“We are no different. We need further guidance on ways to address this problem,” Deputy Governor of Vientiane's Hadxaifong district, Mr Kaen Vorasarn, told the Vientiane Times yesterday.

The government has endorsed a resolution to regulate foreigners working and trading illegally in Laos, who are mostly Chinese and Vietnamese.

The resolution states that foreigners working as hawkers, nail cutters, beauticians, scrap metal collectors or vegetable and seafood vendors in markets or doing other informal work will be sent back to their country of origin.

Mr Kaen admitted that many foreigners in his district were engaged in this work but said his officials have been unable to repatriate them.

“The resolution is appropriate, but the issue is complex. In reality we need further guidance,” he said.

There are 209 foreigners working in Hadxaifong district alone and the majority of them are engaged in trading without a licence. Of the total, 44 have been issued temporary work permits while the paperwork is being done to acquire permanent ones.

“Technical staff will discuss possible ways to deal with the other 165 foreigners and seek further guidance from a higher authority at a meeting expected to take place next week,” Mr Kaen said.

He stressed that the issue must be addressed in a constructive manner in line with the government's foreign policy, which aims to maintain good relations with other countries.

The government resolution also states that foreigners found operating businesses such as wholesale or retail shops, tailoring shops and livestock farms without a business licence can apply for legal documents if the value of their business amounts to at least one billion kip.

Those whose business value is less than one billion kip but not less than 250 million kip will be given a two-year period in which to grow their business to one billion kip, after which they can apply for legal documents. Those who fail will not be allowed to stay in the country.

In addition, foreigners working in Laos without a work permit and other necessary documents will be allowed to obtain legal documents if their workplace or employer can certify them and facilitate the procedures required to obtain the correct paperwork.

These foreigners entered Laos as visitors and legal workers but did not return after their visas expired. Instead they sought illegal employment or started illegal businesses.

Vientiane is launching a pilot scheme to regulate illegal foreign workers. It was reported recently that in Vientiane alone there are more than 6,400 foreigners but only 1,624 have work permits, while the rest are working and running businesses illegally.



By Times Reporters
(Latest Update April 17, 2013)