- Thailand extends work permit renewal deadline to March 31, 2026
- Over 375,000 migrant workers get more time to stay legally employed
- Move aims to protect jobs, skills continuity, and workforce stability
Thailand has extended the deadline for migrant workers from Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam to complete their work permit renewals, offering relief to hundreds of thousands facing procedural delays. The new deadline is March 31, 2026, replacing the earlier cutoff of February 24.
The decision was approved at a meeting of the Foreign Workers’ Management Policy Committee chaired by Treenuch Thienthong. Officials reviewed challenges migrant workers faced in completing mandatory steps, including medical checks, health insurance submissions, and payment of permit fees.
According to the Labor Ministry, more than 375,000 workers out of nearly 891,000 eligible applicants had not completed the renewal process. Without an extension, many risked losing legal status and employment. The government said the move will help prevent labor shortages while ensuring businesses retain skilled and experienced workers.
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The extension also supports workforce stability across sectors that rely heavily on migrant labor, including manufacturing, construction, and services. By keeping workers within the legal system, Thailand aims to safeguard productivity while allowing migrants to continue contributing their skills and experience to the economy.
The Labor Ministry will now submit the decision to the Cabinet for final approval and issue a special notification to fast-track permissions for affected workers, ensuring minimal disruption to employment and training continuity.
