Workers Set to Travel to Sweden and Finland for Berry Picking

Monday, 19 August 2024, 04:35

Workers are set to travel to Sweden and Finland for berry picking opportunities as Thai authorities secure agreements with local employers. With over a thousand workers approved for Sweden, Finland also opens doors for Thai berry pickers. Compliance with employment conditions is mandatory.

Bangkokpost — Workers Set to Travel to Sweden and Finland for Berry Picking

Sweden Welcomes Thai Workers for Berry Picking

On Monday, Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn announced that the Department of Employment (DoE) has authorized the travel of 1,129 Thai workers to Sweden for the upcoming berry harvest season in 2024. Both Thai and Swedish authorities have established that employers must adhere to employment conditions and cover the associated costs, which include <= passport, visa, work permit fees, meals, and accommodation.

Finland's Residence Visa Agreement for Workers

In addition to Sweden, the Finnish authorities are set to issue residency visas to Thai workers picking berries in Finland. The agreement stipulates that workers hired by Finnish employers may travel independently, contingent on the Royal Thai Embassy in Helsinki approving their contracts.

Independent Travel for Thai Workers

Employers in Finland can hire workers who will then travel independently.
Approval from the Royal Thai Embassy is required for employment contracts.
The DoE has lifted restrictions on Thai laborers traveling independently.

The decision arose following a meeting held on August 9, involving representatives from various governmental bodies, including the Department of Consular Affairs, the Department of Labor Protection and Welfare, and the National Human Rights Commission.

This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.