THAILAND: Faster Processing of Certain Pre-Work Permit Approval Applications

October 23, 2019


Effective immediately, companies which are eligible for expedited work permit processing at the One-Stop Service Centre (OSSC) can now also submit pre-work permit approval (PWPA) applications at the OSSC.

For qualifying companies, the PWPA letter will now be issued in 1-2 days after submission at the OSSC, rather than the previous 7-10 days via the Employment Department.

Qualifying companies are Bangkok-based companies or Branch Offices, with a registered capital or total assets of not less than THB 30 million, employing managers or experts.

Final work permit processing now takes only 1 day (compared to 4-5 days at the Employment Department).

It is important to note that the employee must be ready to collect their final work permit booklet on the same day that the work permit application is submitted. Otherwise, the PWPA will be revoked.

Our Advice

Employers who may be affected are advised to contact a Newland Chase immigration specialist for case-specific advice.

For general advice and information on immigration and business travel to Thailand, please email us at [email protected].