CI Expiring 13 Feb 2027: What Employers Must Do

📋 Employers should know! What to do when CI books of employees in the Feb 13, 2027 group expire?

For many employers who employ migrant workers in the February 13, 2027 group, also known as "the MOU migrant worker group granted permission to stay and work until February 13, 2027," you may be facing the crucial question: "How should I manage when important documents like the Certificate of Identity (CI) or personal identification document of an employee are nearing expiration or have already expired?" This issue is urgent, and employers must understand and act correctly to avoid legal repercussions for both themselves and their employees.

Allowing CI documents to expire without any action can lead to an illegal employment status for the employee, which puts the employer at risk of fines, prosecution, or even revocation of their business license. This article from Exworker will explain the crucial steps employers should know to ensure the smooth and legally compliant management of this group of migrant workers.

🔍 Understanding "Feb 13, 2027 Group": Who are they?

The February 13, 2027 migrant worker group consists of workers who entered under the MOU system and were granted permission to stay in the Kingdom and work until February 13, 2027, on the condition that they follow specified procedures, such as applying for Work Permit renewal and passport renewal or renewal of documents used in lieu of a passport (e.g., CI) to ensure they are correct and current. This group is highly important to Thailand's economy, and managing their status correctly is essential.

⚠️ Consequences of letting CI expire

An expired CI for an employee is a serious matter with several consequences:

• ❌ Outdated identification document: When the CI expires, the employee will not have a valid document to use in lieu of a passport, which is required for almost every step, from Work Permit renewal to official contact. Always check the CI expiration date alongside the end date of permission to stay in the Kingdom shown on the stamp, as they are different dates.
• ❌ Employer is at fault: Employing a migrant worker without complete or valid documents is a violation of the law on the employment of foreign nationals. Employers may be fined 10,000 - 100,000 Baht per employee and may face criminal charges in serious cases.
• ❌ Cannot renew work permit: Work Permit renewal requires a valid CI or passport. If the CI expires, the Work Permit cannot be renewed.
• ❌ Impact on business operations: Labor shortages or the inability of workers to work legally can affect production efficiency and the organization's image.

⚠️ Warning: Ignoring CI expiration can lead to severe legal penalties for employers and employees. Therefore, timely action is of utmost importance.

If you have multiple employees under your care and their expiration dates do not align, managing the queue at the nationality verification center yourself often becomes a bottleneck causing delays past the deadline. Employers who wish to have a team assist with booking appointments and checking documents before travel can find more information at Myanmar Migrant Worker CI Book Service.

✅ Steps to take when an employee's CI expires

To enable employers to manage CI expiration situations correctly and completely, Exworker recommends the following steps:

📅 Check status and expiration date

• 🔹 Check CI book: Carefully check the expiration date of each employee's Certificate of Identity (CI) or personal identification document.
• 🔹 Check Work Permit: Check the Work Permit expiration date concurrently, as these two documents are linked.
• 🔹 Create a reminder system: If you have multiple employees, you should have a system to record and remind you of expiration dates at least 3-4 months in advance to allow time for preparation and action.

📌 Prepare essential documents

Preparing complete and correct documents is the key to this process:

• ✅ Employee documents:
  • 🔹 Copy of old CI book (if any)
  • 🔹 Copy of Work Permit
  • 🔹 Copy of migrant worker ID card (if any)
  • 🔹 4-6 front-facing 2-inch photos (as specified by the embassy)
  • 🔹 Other documents requested by the embassy or government agencies
• ✅ Employer documents:
  • 🔹 Copy of employer's ID card
  • 🔹 Copy of employer's house registration
  • 🔹 Copy of company registration certificate (for legal entities)
  • 🔹 Copy of employee list (if any)
  • 🔹 Map of the establishment
  • 🔹 Other documents requested by government agencies

🏢 Steps for CI and Work Permit renewal

Once documents are ready, employers must follow these steps:

1. 💡 Contact the embassy/relevant agency: For CI renewal or applying for a new CI book, the employer or representative must take the employee to contact the embassy of the country of origin in Thailand (e.g., Embassy of Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos) to submit an application for renewal or issuance of a new CI book. Working days and required documents should be checked directly with the embassy.
2. 💡 Health check-up: Employees must undergo a health check-up as specified by the Ministry of Public Health at an authorized government or private hospital. The health check-up results must be used to support the Work Permit renewal application.
3. 💡 Submit Work Permit renewal application: Once a new CI book is obtained or the CI is renewed, the employer must submit these documents, along with health check-up results and other relevant documents, to apply for Work Permit renewal at the Employment Office in the area where the establishment is located, or through the online system as specified by the Department of Employment.
4. 💡 Pay fees: There will be fees for CI renewal and Work Permit renewal, which employers should budget for in advance.
5. 💡 Receive documents: Once the process is complete, the employer will receive the new CI book and the renewed Work Permit.

These processes can be complex and time-consuming. Consulting migrant worker experts like Exworker will help ensure that all steps are carried out correctly and quickly.

💡 Tips for employers in management

• 📌 Plan ahead: Start the renewal process at least 3-4 months before the expiration date to avoid rushing and potential problems.
• 📌 Create a reminder system: Use an electronic calendar or data management software to remind you of the expiration dates of employees' important documents.
• 📌 Study information thoroughly: Regulations regarding the employment of migrant workers are constantly changing. You should regularly follow news and updates from government agencies.
• 📌 Use expert services: If you are unsure about the steps or do not have time to proceed yourself, using the services of a specialized migrant worker consulting company like Exworker will save time, reduce errors, and ensure that the process is carried out legally.

💰 Related expenses

Expenses that employers should consider include:

• 🔹 Fees for CI renewal or issuance of a new CI book (depending on the embassy of each country)
• 🔹 Health check-up fees for employees
• 🔹 Fees for Work Permit renewal
• 🔹 Other expenses such as travel costs, accommodation (if necessary), or service fees from consulting companies

❌ What employers should not do

• ❌ Ignore: Allowing CI to expire without any action is a major risk.
• ❌ Proceed without studying: May lead to errors, wasted time, and fines.
• ❌ Use illegal brokers: Only choose services from licensed and reputable consulting companies.

🏢 Summary and Exworker's role in assisting you

Managing migrant workers in the Feb 13, 2027 group whose CIs are nearing expiration or have already expired is a task that requires careful and legally compliant execution. Understanding the steps, preparing documents, and taking timely action will help employers avoid potential problems and penalties. If any employer is unsure about the process or requires assistance with all procedures, Exworker has a team of experts who can manage this correctly and quickly. Whether it's CI renewal, Work Permit renewal, or other related procedures, we are ready to provide services to ensure your business operates smoothly and legally at all times.

See the steps our team takes, documents employers need to prepare, and frequently asked questions by employers on the CI Book and CI to PJ Conversion Service page.