Transnational human trafficking that resulted in youth’s illegal labor in Thailand remains being an issue of concern in Laos. Although there are many foreign corporations operating in Laos, the preference of hiring Lao workers with Bachelor’s degree and high school diplomas is very low. This has not contributed to addressing or alleviating unemployment situation in Laos.
Foreign firms in Laos see that Lao youths
lack qualifications and skills, especially at the management level, required by
these employers. Thus, the limited employment opportunities in the country have
pushed many young Lao, including young women to take risk in
seeking employment across Laos’ border.
As a result, they are at risk of becoming victims of human trafficking
that aims to taking them to work illegally in Thailand.
Currently, Laos already has more than 200,000 people, whom over 70% of them are women and youths, working illegally in this neighboring country. This condition combined with the fact that Laos has over 10,000 Bachelor’s degree and more than 20,000 high school graduates annually, the Government of Laos (GOL), according to Mr. Doungchay Phichit, Lao PDR’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, has to take necessary interventions to stop this situation.
Listen to Songrit's report for more details.