SEA update: Thailand introduces relief options for insured locals, Indonesia to ban foreign arrivals, and more

Thailand’s labour ministry revealed yesterday (1 April) that the Cabinet has approved a proposal to review a social security scheme to reduce the contribution rate of insured persons, and increase the rate of benefits given out to those who face unemployment but are insured.

This will help “relieve the burden on insured persons” when making their contributions, Labour Minister Chatumongol Sonakul said.

With this, an insured will only pay a contribution of 221 baht starting 31 March, down from the original 432 baht. Those who have already paid 432 baht will have the balance returned by the Social Security Office.

Further, the Cabinet has agreed to increase the rate and period in which those who are unemployed will receive their benefits; they will now be eligible for 62% of their wages by social security, up from 50%. Those who have faced unemployment “by force” will receive benefits of about 5,000 baht a month for a period of three months, starting 1 March 2020.

Apart from the above, the Ministry has also, in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, announced a green light on allowing about 100,000 migrant workers to go on with employment in the country, and for those who can’t cross the border to remain in Thailand temporarily until the borders are re-opened.

The country had previously declared a state of emergency amid a rise in cases, which will last till 30 April.

In similar COVID-19 news, Indonesia’s foreign minister announced on Tuesday (31 March) a temporary ban on all foreign arrivals and transit through the country, The Jakarta Post reported.

The ban will be effective “soon” it was reported, but will not apply to diplomats, work permit holders, and other official visitors. In a separate report by The Jakarta Post, the recently-issued Law and Human Rights Ministerial Regulation No. 11/2020 also extended the exemptions to medical and food supplies, as well as land, sea and air transportation crews.

Further, tourists whose visitor’s visas have expired will be allowed to remain in the country without needing to apply for an extension, while foreigners with both limited and permanent residence permits will still be allowed in.

Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also released the following infographic on the new policy on entering Indonesia:

Lead image / 123RF
Infograhic / Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs