KPL
Laos' Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare has reviewed the results of a nationwide effort to register undocumented foreign workers, reporting that fewer than half of those identified have been issued temporary work permits.
The Department of Labour Management held a two-day meeting on June 23–24 to assess the registration program, which was chaired by Deputy Minister Phongxaysack Inthalath and attended by labor officials from across the country.Speaking at the meeting, Phongxaysack said Laos is facing a labor shortage while also experiencing an influx of both documented and undocumented foreign workers, particularly from Bangladesh, Myanmar, India and other countries. He said the situation has drawn increasing public attention and highlighted the need for stronger oversight.He called on labor authorities at all levels to strengthen inspections and coordinate with other government agencies to address illegal employment, prevent unfair competition with Lao workers and reduce related social problems.The registration campaign targeted foreign nationals working without authorization in occupations such as construction, repair services, beauty services and food preparation, where labor demand remains high. The program ran from July 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026.According to the ministry, authorities identified 10,762 undocumented foreign workers in 2024. Of that total, 5,163 workers—or about 48%—were registered and issued temporary work permits, including 1,635 women.Officials acknowledged that the registration rate fell well short of expectations, indicating ongoing challenges in identifying workers and collecting accurate data.Mr. Phongxaysack said stronger cooperation among ministries, provincial and district labor offices and local authorities would be essential to bringing more foreign workers into the formal system while ensuring compliance with labor regulations and improving state revenue collection.KPL
