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Officials to Crack Down on Illegal Workers in Laos

Foreign Workers in Laos

As part of government efforts to strictly monitor foreign nationals working in the country, the labour and security sectors are set up to register and issue temporary work permits to foreign workers.

The issue of migrants entering the country to work illegally  is a continuing and controversial problem in Laos.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare reported that approximately 24,000 foreign workers were registered over the last year, the majority of them being Vietnamese, Chinese and Thai nationals.

The report was disclosed at a meeting held earlier in the week on the assessment and insight from the previous registration and issuing of temporary work permits to foreign workers.

A total of 24,372 foreign workers have been issued temporary work permits nationwide.

Foreign workers are broken down into two sectors for registration purposes.

Those that fall under the first sector, which consists of vendors or people who operate a business in compliance with set regulations as well as those who work in the business and service sectors, on investment projects, or in special and specific economic zones, are eligible for six-month and one-year statuses.

Those who fall under the second sector, which is allocated to itinerant vendors, people engaged in the breeding of livestock, and those who operate beauty salons, coffee shops, karaoke bars and game shops or those business owners not yet operating with the necessary licence, is eligible for three month status.

An initial timeframe was set for mid-December 2015 to mid-March 2016 by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare along with the Ministry of Public Security, however the project has only just completed at the end of September,  2016.

Authorities from both sectors will continue to inspect foreign workers after their work permits have expired.

Additionally, training for officials in both sectors will be given to increase their efficiency in the candid enforcement of the law.

Officials aim to regulate the multiplying number of undocumented workers in Laos while simultaneously generating more revenue for the state budget.

As the development of Laos proceeds, the country requires workers, especially foreign workers for current railway and power projects.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare recently reported that a target to introduce 658,000 labourers by 2020 has been set  to meet the constant growing demand for labour in Laos.

Strict enforcement of the labor law set forth, will allow foreign nationals to work in Laos legally while also assisting them to adhere to other employment regulations.

Lao Airlines aims for Direct Route to Tokyo for Passengers

Lao Airlines Flight to Japan

Lao Airlines has announced plans to provide its passengers with a direct flight between Vientiane and Tokyo, Japan.

Though not much has been detailed in the airline’s plans to introduce the service as of yet, it has been confirmed that the flight is expected to make a stop in Nagasaki on one sector of the journey between Vientiane and Tokyo.

The airline is expected to release more information on its new routes at a press conference in the near future.

Due to a codeshare agreement between Lao Airlines and Thai Airways International, passengers currently travelling to Japan need to fly from Vientiane to Bangkok, and then board a connecting flight to reach Japan.

However, before the demand for a direct flight to Japan can be fulfilled, Lao Airlines must equip itself with an aircraft  suitable to fly nonstop to Japan, which is beyond the range of any of its aircraft currently.

The airline currently operates domestic routes to Luang Namtha, Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, Pakse, Savannakhet, Vientiane and Xieng Khuang.  On international routes it serves Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Guangzhou, Kunming, Jinghong, Chengdu, Singapore, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Seoul and Busan.

Laos and Vietnam to build Vientiane-Hanoi Highway

proposed highway from vientianet to hanoi

The Lao Ministry of Public Works and Transport, in collaboration with The Vietnamese Ministry of Transport, have agreed to implement the next step towards building a highway connecting the two countries’ capitals this year.

Laos and Vietnam will assemble a research team, work with the sponsors and seek more investments.  A detailed plan will be established between the two ministries that will allow Laos to be more effective in expediting the transit of goods to and from Vietnam.

A feasibility study is set to be completed by the Korea International Co-operation Agency (KOICA), on a 500 km-long railway that links Vientiane to Vung Ang Industrial Zone in Vietnam.

The Laotian and Vietnamese ministries of transport will partner up with KOICA to conclude the study this year and submit their analysis to the governments involved.

The agreement to build the railway to connect Vientiane and Vung Ang Zone, and the highway that connects the two capitals, was signed on September 14, 2015.

It is part of the strategic agreement around their partnership on transport for 2016-2025, with a projected vision towards 2030.

The projects are expected to increase trade development for both Laos and Vietnam, and is the first step to re-imagining Laos as a regional freight hub.

Vietnam’s long coast and the central position of Laos in ASEAN will be utilized to advance the economies of both countries.

Both countries will benefit from the infrastructure and arrangement; Laos will have access to use Vietnam’s ports, and  Vietnam will have access through Laos importing and exporting goods.

Story & Photo: Vietnamnet

Thai Soap Star’s Husband Guilty of Laundering Xaysana Money

Thai Celebrity Benz Linked to Xaysana

The husband of Thai celebrity, Napapa “Patt” Tantrakul,  was formally charged Monday with money laundering for his connection to transnational Laotian drug lord, Xaysana Keopimpha.

Akarakit Worarojcharoendet, or “Benz Racing,” is accused of conspiring to launder money with a friend for the narcotics network formerly operated by Xaysana, who was arrested in Bangkok two months prior. Akarakit had no comment pertaining his case as he arrived at the Narcotics Suppression Bureau.

“I’d like to thank all the reporters for coming here to wait for me,” Akarakit stated. “As for other parts, I will testify in court.”

Police officially charged the 30-year-old moto racer with a conspiracy count of money laundering and delivered him to court for a custody hearing on Monday morning. Akarakit was granted bail of 500,000 baht by the court, on the condition that he cannot leave the country without prior permission.

Police claim Akarakit aided an associate of Xaysana cover his assets by claiming ownership of a 20 million baht Lamborghini bought with the drug baron’s dirty money.

Money laundering carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

After Xaysana was arrested in Suvarnabhumi airport in January, police raided the homes of numerous targets and interrogated dozens of suspects said to have connections to Xaysana, whom police describe as the most influential drug kingpin in northeastern Thailand.

Pornchai Charoenwong, director of the anti-narcotics bureau, detailed Akarakit as a “middle-tier suspect” in Xayasana’s network. He disputed Akarakit’s past remarks claiming he was unaware the Lamborghini was part of Xayasana’s drug business.

“The investigators don’t believe that,” Maj. Gen. Pornchai said. “We have reasons to believe it’s a conspiracy to commit money laundering. We have witnesses and evidence.”

Xaysana is being held at Bangkok Remand Prison as he awaits trial. Though a specific date for Xaysana’s indictment was not given, it has been confirmed that police are still preparing a case against him for the prosecutor’s office.

As previously reported by The Laotian Times, Laos has not brought up the issue of extradition and the  police major general corroborates that there is no plan to extradite Xaysana.

Largest Forest in Xayaboury to be Opened as Tourist Attraction

Forest in Xayaboury

Hoping to draw more people to experience its natural beauty and establish its profile as a tourist destination, Xayaboury Province is opening up its largest forest as one of its visitor attractions.

An official has confirmed that provincial authorities surveyed the forest in Phieng District, which is 80 km from the provincial capital. After surveying the trees and the surrounding area, provincial authorities considered various ways  on how they could develop the forest into a tourist attraction and open it up to the public.

The director of the province’s Information, Culture and Tourism Department, Mr Chanthi Simanichan, has stated

that the biggest trees in Phieng district are maitaekha (Sindora cochinchinensis) and can grow up to an impressive 15 metres in width and more than 10 metres in height. The maitaekha are hundreds of years old and are highly valued for their solid wood.

The area will be of interest to those with an interest in nature and those who can appreciate the preservation of the towering trees surrounding them . There is potential for a variety of outdoor activities for visitors who enjoy the great outdoors, as well as for individuals wanting to study tree species in Laos.

Apart from observing the massive trees and the serenity of nature, there are fascinating caves waiting to be explored, including the beautiful Lobphai Cave.

There are many officially designated tourist sites in Xayaboury Province but due poor road access, reaching tourist sites is difficult and dangerous, particularly during the wet season.

However, provincial authorities plan to build a road to the forest in an effort to bring development to impoverished Phieng District. Mr Chanthi stressed that it is essential to build roads to make more of the sites accessible.

Due to poor road conditions, Mr Chanti urges anyone who is looking to visit the forest to plan ahead and contact the Phieng District Information, Culture and Tourism Office to find out current road hazards.

“The provincial authorities plan to build a dirt road to the forest because there is no road access at present,” Mr Chanthi has stated. “Construction will start this year and then district authorities will officially open the forest area as a new tourist site. Locals and foreigners can visit at any time, but don’t forget to contact the Phieng district Information, Culture and Tourism Office so that officials can provide help”.

Photo: TreetopLaos

Special Economic Zones See Dip in Foreign Investment

Specific-Economic-Zone-Laos

Special economic zones around Laos are currently seeing less interest by foreign investors than in previous years, as many try to come to an understanding with local regulations.

Vientiane Industry and Trade Area Special Economic Zone (VITA Park), at Km22 Nonthong in Xaythany district is one of the zones facing this problem, says Mr Sibounheuang Vienheuangphay the VITA Park president.

In previous years, various foreign investors, particularly from China, Japan and Thailand, have requested information regarding conditions and facilitation of investment in the zone, however Laos has only seen a few return to make the actual investment.

Mr Sibounheuang speculates that investors have difficulty comprehending the length of time it takes for approvals and the many tax payment stages under the regulations.

“Some companies do not have a deep understanding of the Lao rules and regulations,” he explains. “The investment promotion law is still the responsibility of various sectors which causes many foreign investors to have a different approach in their business operations here.”

It is hoped the special economic zone issues can be resolved in the upcoming year to further opportunities for foreign investors.

VITA Park is a joint partnership venture between the Lao Government, holding 30 percent ownership, and Nam Wei Development Co., Ltd., holding 70 percent ownership.

Phase I of the park project covers an area of 110 hectares and  future expansion projects intend to develop another 500 hectares.

Infrastructure at the park is now more than 90 percent complete, with  various industrial and commercial services comprising about 70 percent of the structure. This includes factories, dormitories, trade centres, vocational schools, a hospital, banks and other facilities.

According to the VITA official, a total of 49 companies have registered to invest in the park with around US$63.27 million, of which 23 companies have completed their projects, three factories are under construction and seven have began exporting their products.

The total export value has reached US$75.5 million, while imports are estimated to be around US$81.3 million.

The business venture has created jobs for local people with more than 1,200 positions expected after the completion of phase I and II of the park. Eventually 40,000-50,000 people will be employed after VITA Park has reached completion.

From 2013 to 2016, the park paid more than 2.25 billion kip and contributed over US$538,000 to the government. The project will continue to assist government revenue especially salary taxes on labour.

Officials to Cut Wait Time on Lao-Foreign Marriage

Lao Foreign Marriage

After numerous complaints made by the public, officials are examining ways to expedite the marriage process for Lao and foreign nationals.

A meeting was held by The Foreign Expatriate Management Department, Ministry of Public Security last week to review and analyze potential issues delaying the process and how to resolve them.

A senior department official informed that a marriage application submitted to the ministry by a Lao national and a foreigner should take approximately three months for consideration and approval. However, complaints have indicated that it takes far longer to receive the legal documents necessary for the marriage to be considered official.

Ways to regulate and legalize undocumented marriages between Lao nationals and foreigners who have entered and resided in Laos illegally, particularly in the provinces, was also a topic of discussion during the meeting.

According to statistics provided by the ministry, from 2009 to 2016 an estimated 2,631 approvals were granted for Lao nationals to legally marry foreigners of various nationalities.

 

Permanent Residency Process Also Under Review

Officials also reviewed the enactment of a Lao policy which permits foreign nationals and those with no nationality to apply for Lao permanent residency, with varying criteria set for different groups of foreign nationals.

According to a Prime Ministerial Decree issued in 2011, to be eligible to apply for Lao permanent residency, the applicant must not ever have been found guilty by a court and imprisoned.

Foreign applicants must have resided in Laos for a minimum of 10 years, immediate relatives of the foreign expatriates are also eligible to apply.

Foreign nationals of Lao origin as well as those foreigners whose parents hold Lao nationality can apply immediately.

Foreigners also qualify for permanent residency if they have married a Lao national legally and have lived in Laos for two consecutive years.

Investors with registered capital of at least US$500,000 and who have operated businesses in Laos legally for at least five years are eligible to submit an application.

Experts whose professional experience is necessary for the development of Laos, people who have been granted special privilege by the Lao government as well as those who have been certified as making a good contribution to the Lao revolutionary task and national construction and development are all eligible to apply.

The PM’s decree also details all required documents, steps and relevant departments at which the documents must be submitted.

Photo: Pinterest

Authorities Warn Public of Organised Crime Involving ATM Fraud

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Police officers are are in pursuit of two wanted criminals who are suspected to be using fake ATM cards to withdraw money from various bank ATMs in Vientiane and other provinces.

According to the Economic Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security, numerous people have fallen victim to the criminal action and a considerable amount of money has been stolen.

The department has issued a warning to the public, to beware of fake ATM cards being used to withdraw money from ATMs of various banks in the Lao PDR, along with pictures of the two wanted suspects. Members of the public who see the suspects are asked to inform the authorities nearest them immediately.

The warning also uncovered the tactics used by the criminals, to carry out the organised crime that has caused a detriment to so many victims’ accounts.

An officer of the department explains that the criminals used skimming devices attached to the ATMs to record people’s card information unknowingly when the machines were being used. The criminals then used the acquired information to produce fraudulent cards to withdraw money.

The suspects have been captured on CCTV cameras behaving in a suspicious demeanor, however the nationalities of the suspects and the number of those involved remains unknown.

According to a member in law enforcement, police officers and representatives of the banks have held meetings on the issue to discuss measures in preventing the unlawful crime.

Various commercial banks have been warned by the department to take the proper precautions in managing and inspecting their ATM’s to avoid anyone else falling victim to the bandits.

A bank official has addressed that, compensation for money lost to the criminals by customers could be made on a case by case basis.

As an example, in the case the loss of money is caused by a banking system not meeting security standards, appropriate consideration would be made to compensate depositors.

However, where the loss of money falls under the responsibility of the depositors, for instance the depositors failed to keep their ATM password confidential and was utilized by someone else to withdraw funds from their accounts, the bank would not compensate.

The official suggested ATM users to carefully observe ATMs, specifically the card insert panel to ensure there is no skimming device attached, along with covering the ATM keyboard panel when inputting a password.

ATM users are urged to report any suspicious machines or irregularities to their bank immediately.