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Overview and Issues
A very large number of migrant
workers, originating from both Myanmar and the Northeast of
Thailand, were employed in the 6 provinces affected by the
tsunami. It is difficult to be accurate about the numbers
involved since a significant proportion of the migrant workers
would not have been registered with the government. But 77,951
migrant workers were registered with the government, and organizations
working with Burmese migrant workers estimate no less than
5,000 individuals lost their lives. One of the biggest problems
facing migrant workers surrounds their legal status in Thailand,
whether they can remain in the country, and whether they can
access relief and participate in the rehabilitation process.
The legal status of migrant workers is heavily dependent on
their relationship with their Thai employers. In the post-tsunami
environment, where Thai employers have died or are missing,
and where hotels and construction projects, both major employers
of migrant workers in the area, have been destroyed, migrant
workers are in a vulnerable position. Added to this, many
migrant workers lost their official papers during the tsunami.
Many migrant workers who have attempted to access relief have
been arrested and deported by the Thai authorities, causing
many more to go into hiding, where they have no access to
relief or rehabilitation. A significant number of Burmese
migrant workers have been deported to camps in Ranong or else
repatriated to Myanmar, but there are thought to be large
numbers of individuals still in hiding. Migrant workers also
face prejudice and discrimination.
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