Thailand will offer an initial 10,000 employment opportunities to Sri Lankan workers under a new framework for labour cooperation and employment, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Labour Cooperation and a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on the Employment of Sri Lankan Workers in Thailand.

The two agreements were signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath and Minister of Labour of Thailand Julapun Amornvivat in Bangkok today 14 September 2026

The agreements establish a structured, transparent and legally regulated framework for the recruitment and employment of Sri Lankan workers in Thailand, with safeguards to protect their rights, welfare and interests.

Minister Herath welcomed the new employment opportunities and stressed that  the expansion of foreign employment must go hand in hand with strong protection of workers rights, fair recruitment practices, decent working conditions and the welfare of Sri Lankan workers. He also proposed the establishment of a Joint Working Group to oversee the effective implementation of the agreements and called for further employment opportunities for Sri Lankan youth, particularly in information technology, tourism, hospitality, technical and other skilled sectors. In response, Thai Labour Minister Julapun reiterated that the Sri Lankan workers employed under this framework will enjoy equal rights and protection under Thai labour laws including legally mandated wages, benefits and health care. 

The agreements mark a significant step in  diversifying Sri Lanka’s foreign employment destinations, expanding access to skilled and decent employment,  strengthening worker protection, and deepening labour and economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism

Colombo 

14 September 2026