Applications shifted to local Labor Offices after closing of Foreign Workers Administration Office at the Ministry of Labor in Bangkok

What is the change? The Ministry of Labor’s Foreign Workers Administration Office in Bangkok (MOL) closed the services to the general public last month. The MOL will finalize all pending work permit applications, but is no longer accepting new ones.

What does the change mean? Companies (1) with a registered address in Bangkok, (2) with either paid-up capital, or current company assets of less than 30 million baht or (3) with either paid-up capital or current company assets of more than 30 million baht that are applying for work permits for positions below the manager level must now submit all work permit-related applications and notifications to their local Labor Office.

• Effective date: Immediate.
• Documents affected: All work permit-related documents.
• Who is affected: Companies filing work permit-related applications and notifications at the MOL.

Background: Eligible companies as described above had been able to submit work permit applications (including renewals and amendments) and cancelations to the MOL. The local Labor Offices has now taken over work permit-related duties.

Analysis and Comments: Employers should anticipate that processing time lines and document requirements may vary, depending on the individual local Labor Office. It should be noted that other Department of Employment offices under the Ministry of Labor will continue to operate. This change will not affect companies with a registered address in Bangkok and either paid-up capital or current company assets of more than 30 million baht that are applying for positions at or above the manager level. This is because these companies are eligible to use the expedited process at the One Stop Service Center (OSSC). It will also not affect applicants under OSSC-eligible companies that hold manager-level positions or above.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.