Sri Lanka and Thailand today signed two key labour agreements, paving the way for the recruitment of an initial 10,000 Sri Lankan workers under a structured and transparent employment framework.

The agreements were signed in Bangkok by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath and Thailand’s Minister of Labour, Julapun Amornvivat.

The two instruments comprise a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Labour Cooperation and a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on the Employment of Sri Lankan Workers in Thailand, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

The agreements establish procedures for the recruitment and employment of Sri Lankan workers, including employment contracts, legal protection, welfare, visas and work permits, as well as return and repatriation arrangements.

The MoU also covers cooperation in labour policies and practices, labour market information, skills development, labour productivity, worker protection and measures to prevent illegal recruitment and human trafficking.

Minister Herath welcomed the opportunity for Sri Lankan workers to secure employment in Thailand and stressed the need to ensure their rights, welfare and social security.

He also proposed establishing a Joint Working Group to monitor the implementation of the agreements and called for consideration of expanded employment opportunities for Sri Lankan youth, particularly in the IT and tourism sectors.

Thai Labour Minister Julapun said Sri Lankan workers employed under the new framework would receive equal rights and protection under Thai labour law, including legally mandated wages, benefits and healthcare.

The agreements mark a significant step in expanding safe and regular labour mobility between the two countries and are expected to help Sri Lanka diversify its foreign employment destinations, the Foreign Ministry noted.

The Sri Lankan Government views Thailand and the wider Southeast Asian region as important emerging labour markets for Sri Lankan workers, particularly skilled workers and professionals, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.