Thailand will initially offer 10,000 employment opportunities to Sri Lankan workers under a new framework aimed at strengthening labour cooperation and ensuring greater protection for Sri Lankan employees.
The development follows the signing of two landmark agreements in Bangkok today: a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Labour Cooperation and a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on the Employment of Sri Lankan Workers in Thailand.
The agreements were signed by Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath and Thailand’s Minister of Labour Julapun Amornvivat.
The new framework establishes a structured, transparent and legally regulated system for the recruitment and employment of Sri Lankan workers in Thailand, while providing safeguards for their rights, welfare and interests.
Welcoming the new employment opportunities, Minister Herath stressed that the expansion of foreign employment opportunities must be accompanied by strong protection of workers’ rights, fair recruitment practices, decent working conditions and comprehensive welfare measures.
He also proposed establishing a Joint Working Group to oversee the effective implementation of the agreements.
Minister Herath further called for the expansion of employment opportunities for Sri Lankan youth, particularly in information technology, tourism, hospitality, technical and other skilled sectors.
Responding to the proposals, Thai Labour Minister Julapun Amornvivat said Sri Lankan workers employed under the new framework would receive equal rights and protection under Thai labour laws. This includes access to legally mandated wages, benefits and healthcare.
The agreements are expected to mark an important step in Sri Lanka’s efforts to diversify its foreign employment destinations and expand access to skilled and decent employment opportunities.
They are also aimed at strengthening worker protection while deepening labour and economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and Thailand.
The agreements were signed in Bangkok on September 14, 2026, according to Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
