As the fresh scent of ripening berries fills the air in the picturesque landscapes of Sweden and Finland, an exciting announcement has been made: the first batch of Thai labourers for the current berry harvesting season is set to embark on their journey this month.
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn unveiled on Monday that the Department of Employment (DoE) recently granted permission for 1,129 Thai workers to travel to Sweden for the 2024 berry-picking season. These laborers are expected to dive into the scenic Swedish countryside, collecting nature’s bounty of juicy berries.
In a wonderful example of international cooperation, Thai and Swedish authorities have come to an agreement ensuring employers take on the responsibility for expenses, including fees for passports, visas, work permits, alongside meals and accommodation. Additionally, both employers and workers are mandated to sign comprehensive employment contracts, safeguarding the interests and rights of each hardworking individual.
Meanwhile, in Finland, the authorities have agreed to issue residency visas to Thai workers tasked with picking berries across the enchanting Finnish fields. They have also approved that Thai workers, employed by Finnish businesses, can independently travel to the country as long as their employment contracts receive the nod from the Royal Thai Embassy in Helsinki. This marks a significant stride towards allowing more autonomy and flexibility for the traveling workforce.
DoE director-general Somchai Morakotsriwan revealed with palpable excitement that there’s been a lifting of the previous suspension preventing Thai labourers from independently working in Finnish berry fields. The decision was reached following a pivotal meeting on August 9th, where representatives from various concerned agencies, including the Department of Consular Affairs, the Department of Labor Protection and Welfare, and the National Human Rights Commission, engaged in thorough discussions on the topic.
Mr. Somchai encouraged enthusiastic Thais interested in overseas work opportunities to visit the DoE’s website or the Overseas Employment Administration Division’s site. Packed with valuable information, these resources serve as a gateway to the vast opportunities awaiting those eager to explore work beyond Thailand’s borders.
This marks an exciting chapter for both the Thai labourers gearing up for the adventure and the agricultural communities in Sweden and Finland, which eagerly await fresher-than-fresh berries, picked by diligent hands from halfway across the globe.
This sounds like a wonderful opportunity for the Thai workers! What a great way to enjoy Sweden and Finland while earning money.
Sure, if you ignore the fact that they are often underpaid and overworked. Not everyone gets to ‘enjoy’ such work, especially in harsh conditions.
I think having their expenses covered and legal protections in place is a big step forward. It’s definitely better than some other migrant labor situations.
Legal protections are meaningless if not enforced. Many workers still face exploitation regardless of what’s on paper.
At least they’re being given this chance and not stuck in poverty with no options.
I’m really impressed by the level of international cooperation shown here. It’s a great example for other countries.
Cooperation often means rich countries exploiting poorer ones. Who really gains here? The laborers or the corporations?
Ideally, both. The workers gain employment and the companies get their labor demands met.
But does it ever really work out that way? Companies always find a way to profit at others’ expense.
Another example of Thai labor being exploited abroad. This should be illegal.
Exploited? They agreed to the terms, and it’s not like they’re being forced. This kind of work is necessary.
Let’s not turn this into an exploitation narrative. These agreements are made to ensure fair treatment.
Fair treatment on paper can be different from reality. How many cases of abuse go unnoticed?
What about the environmental impact of mass labor migration like this? No one’s talking about that.
It’s true, transporting large numbers of people has a carbon footprint. But isn’t sustainable agriculture important too?
Sustainable? The transportation negates a lot of the sustainability claims. It’s a double-edged sword.
The Finnish and Swedish berry markets depend heavily on these laborers. It’s a symbiotic relationship.
True, but is it fair and ethical? We need to reevaluate whether such dependencies are exploitative in nature.
Better regulated industries could be the answer. Striking a balance between need and fairness is the goal.
How does this affect the local labor markets in Sweden and Finland? Are local workers losing opportunities?
Locals usually don’t want these seasonal jobs. That’s why there’s such a reliance on migrant labor.
It’s not about losing opportunities; it’s about filling gaps locals aren’t interested in.
This is so exciting for those willing to work hard and explore new places! Good luck to them all!
I just hope all these promises for good treatment and accommodations are kept.
It’s an invaluable experience for these workers. They gain international exposure and earn more than they would back home.
Agreed. It’s an opportunity that could elevate their quality of life significantly.
Exactly, and it can open doors for future opportunities abroad.
The real question is how many of these workers will actually return home. Many might try to stay illegally.
I’d like to know more about the guarantees that these laborers will not be mistreated. Any concrete measures?
The article mentions signed employment contracts and international oversight. However, who monitors compliance day-to-day?
Having worked one season in Finland myself, I can say it’s not as rosy as it sounds. Preparation and reality can be very different.
Thank you for your perspective! What was the biggest challenge you faced?
Primarily, the isolation. And the physical strain is immense – long hours and remote conditions are tough.
It’s great to see these efforts to make the process better for workers by involving all these agencies. Shows progress.
Progress is good, but we need to keep applying pressure to ensure these measures are followed consistently.