KUALA LUMPUR - Thailand’s Foreign Workers’ Management Policy Committee has approved a proposal to extend the deadline for migrant workers from Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam to complete their work permit requirements, affecting over 300,000 workers.

The proposal will be submitted to the Cabinet for final approval to avoid disruption to businesses and maintain production stability.

The extension covers the submission of health insurance documents, medical examination results and payment of the 900-baht work permit fee.

The original deadline of February 24 has been moved to March 31, 2026, giving eligible workers more time to meet the requirements and remain legally employed.

Meeting data showed that 375,038 out of 890,786 workers have yet to complete the required procedures.

Without the extension, many workers could lose their legal status, making it difficult for employers to retain them and increasing the risk of labour shortages in key sectors.

Labour Minister, Treenuch Thienthong has instructed the Department of Employment to speed up the drafting of a ministerial notification to grant special permission for the affected workers in line with an earlier Cabinet resolution.

The ministry will forward the committee’s decision to the Cabinet to ensure labour market continuity and reduce potential economic impact.