Thailand has introduced a policy granting long-term refugees from Myanmar legal access to employment, marking a significant step in integrating displaced populations into the formal economy while maintaining effective state oversight.

The measure, approved by the Thai Cabinet in late August, enables refugees who have lived for decades in designated temporary shelters along the border to apply for work permits and seek employment outside the camps under regulated conditions.

The policy applies to refugees officially registered with Thai authorities in shelters across several western provinces.

Many of those eligible were born in the camps and have had limited opportunities for lawful employment despite their long-term presence in the country.

Under the new framework, applicants must complete registration with labour authorities, undergo health checks and secure employer sponsorship before receiving permits that are valid for up to one year and renewable.

Thai authorities have emphasised that the initiative balances humanitarian responsibility with national interests.

By allowing refugees to work legally, the government aims to reduce dependency on aid, support dignity and self-sufficiency, and help address labour shortages in certain sectors.

Employers are offered streamlined procedures during the initial phase, encouraging lawful hiring and compliance with labour standards.

The policy has been welcomed by international partners as a constructive and pragmatic response to prolonged displacement, particularly as funding for refugee assistance faces constraints.

Thai officials have indicated that the approach reflects the country’s commitment to orderly migration management and regional stability, while offering a practical model for addressing long-standing refugee situations in Southeast Asia.