Sealing virus loopholes

As the country readies to welcome back migrant workers, state authorities are obliged to intensify measures to the maximum to seal the loopholes and prevent a second wave of coronavirus infections.

Earlier this week, the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) approved in principle the entry of migrant workers, together with other groups including foreign business representatives, specialists, exhibitors, and film crews. It will forward the proposal to cabinet for a decision next week.

Reopening the country to migrants by relaxing restrictions is necessary as there is a need to reboot the economy.

It is reported that priority will go to migrant workers in the construction and food export industries, who also hold work permits and visas, and who expressed an interest in working again in Thailand. There are nearly 70,000 workers in this group. They are required to have fit-to-travel documents and upon arriving at the border, will have to be tested for Covid-19 and enter a local quarantine site.

Another 42,100 migrant workers are those who receive a so-called demand letter from prospective employers. They have to apply for visas and a work permit. The government designated Sa Kaeo as an entry point for Cambodians, Nong Khai for Lao people, while Myanmar workers are required to enter the kingdom through Tak or Ranong.

But it is certain the number of migrants wishing to cross the borders and seek work in Thailand is much higher. Each day, there are reports of migrant workers being smuggled across natural borders.

This means that local authorities, particularly health officials, must stand ready, integrate their work and keep a vigilant eye over illegal border crossings.

At the same time, the Public Health Ministry should be proactive, reinforcing manpower such as health volunteers, and increasing the supply of testing kits in border areas to match rising demand. Each border area should prepare for swift action in case an infection is detected.

With regard to migrant workers who legally return to Thailand with a work permit and visa, the government should consider helping employers, most of whom are affected by lockdown measures, cut expenses in the area of testing and mandatory quarantine for the returning workers.

Around 82% of employers with the Group of Entrepreneurs with Foreign Workers (GEFW) complained the costs of testing and 14-day quarantine for each worker, around 20,000 baht a person, are unreasonably high. They said they cannot afford to shoulder the burden alone. Many employers are those operating mediumsized and small factories, and make a valid point.

Quarantine, while necessary, could be adapted to suit the situation and serve the purpose. One possible option is to allow the employers whose plants have enough space to use part of the area as a quarantine facility. In doing so, the places must be inspected and receive approval from health authorities. The authorities must visit the facilities at least once a day to ensure all strictly follow the rules. Any suspicious cases must be sent to hospital, for instance. This option should make quarantine affordable for employers.

It’s undeniable that migrant workers will play a big role in restoring the economy, and that adapting to make quarantine for migrant workers affordable and manageable, with no compromise on virus prevention, must be considered.