What Is MOU, How Does It Relate to Foreign Workers, and Why Hire Through It?
An introduction to the MOU system, the legal way to hire Myanmar workers, with the steps, timelines and benefits employers should know.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is a formal written document expressing the shared intention of two or more parties to cooperate under agreed conditions. It sets a framework for cooperation and shows commitment to those terms.
In foreign worker hiring, MOU is the official channel for bringing workers from the country of origin to Thailand, so employers get workers with complete, valid documents from their very first day.
Our Process
- Understand your needs: study the client's job details and employment conditions
- Recruit and select: strictly select workers in Myanmar according to the required qualifications
- Documents and legal steps: prepare MOU documents and complete every legal procedure
- Medical checks and insurance: health checks and insurance as required by law
- Delivery and transport: shuttle arrangements and travel to the workplace
- Orientation and training: pre-employment training for better performance
- Care and follow-up: ongoing coordination and problem solving after placement
Steps and Estimated Timeline
- Step 1, labor request: file documents at the Provincial Employment Office, receive documents from the Ministry of Labour and forward them to the embassy in the country of origin (about 7 days)
- Step 2, worker list: apply for work permits on the workers' behalf (1,900 THB fee), buy 6 months of health insurance and file at the Provincial Employment Office
- Step 3, Calling Visa: takes 10–12 days, then 2–3 more days to forward to the country of origin
- Step 4, travel: workers receive the work visa (NON-LA), take an ATK test and medical check, attend training at the Post-Arrival Center, then move into housing
- Step 5, start date: documents from the Post-Arrival Center are sent to the Department of Employment for the next steps
Benefits of Hiring Through the MOU System
- Stability: clear 2-year contracts, renewable up to 4 years in total
- Organised paperwork: transparent procedures, easier than other ways of hiring foreign workers
- Low turnover: lower recruitment and training costs
- Safety: criminal record checks before placement
- Clear employment terms: predictable contracts and fewer conflicts
- Available all year: no seasonal limits
Looking for MOU workers who fit your business? Our team is happy to advise and share more information.
