The one of the paradoxes of the era of globalization always has to do with borders: the lines that separate states are fading, while at the same time every state tries to strengthen their border protection. This phenomenon introduces migrant workers as one of the priorities of every state, from undocumented workers to the problem of unemployment rate.
The area surrounding MAP is lush with fruit trees and other greenery
As a country that borders the unstable state of Myanmar, Thailand faces these problems on a regular basis. The lack a proper local political system and the close proximity bring a hurl of migrant workers to the state, mostly from Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos. Their statuses as an illegal workers pull them away from any kind of protection from the state. Cases of violence are increasing, but nothing can be done. The state does not deem them visible.
In 2003, the government of Thailand and Myanmar signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to legalize the flow of migrants. It will take five years to set up a properly agreed-upon system, but the framework of a system can already be seen. However, at the same time the number of cases of discrimination against migrant workers still keeps on increasing; the system is new, and the discrimination is ongoing. A solution is still yet to be found.
The new system offers the chance for migrant workers to obtain temporary work permit to be a legal worker in Thailand. However, Jackie Pollock, the founder of MAP (Migrant Assistance Programme) believes that the system is still very much flawed, "the cost of obtaining work permit is very high--equal to six months of salary, actually. And the status is very temporary. Very," Pollock said.
Ms. Pollock set up MAP after years of working in Thailand
MAP is a Non-Governmental Organization aimed to protect the Burmese workers in Thailand. It was established in 1996, a time when migrant workers were not recognized. The organization provides materials about migrants, as well as provides emergency housing for the workers.
Asked about the experience of fighting for migrant workers, Pollock states that it has many challenges and the process moves slowly. One of the main issues that MAP tackles is violence against women. The organization offer trainings for women, including one that talks about the nature of the Thai law. However, there are still a very small number of women taking their cases into legal support and the knowledge is still very limited.
"At the very least," Pollock said, "women now realize that they have a supporting community."
Labour Rights is another main issue that MAP is grappling with. Pollock states that in many cases, migrant workers would obtain merely 10% to 20% of what they are financially accounted for. Nowadays, the cases are getting more complicated. The employer would either keep the workers' documents or declare bankruptcy in order to get away from their legal obligation.
"You have to be a lot smarter nowadays. Things are not as simple as before." Pollock said.
Some issues discussed in the session were shocking and controversial
The working permit process, just newly announced, is a slow one. There are approximately one million workers still in the process of getting the permit, and another 2 million not obtaining it. The working permit itself is provided for no longer than two years. The new status on the system poses a challenge for everyone. The government is still learning it, the workers are still semi-invisible, and the violence cases still exist.
It seems that the change is moving slowly in every aspect of the process.
As a former activist of a women's rights organization called Empower, Jackie Pollock emphasized on the fact that the government does not recognize domestic workers as 'workers'. Their status is invisible in the law, as if law is only applicable in the public world outside the homes.
"But then again," she added, "most part of the world does not recognize them. This is a global issue."
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