Report Worker Accommodation in 24 Hours: Section 38

🏢 Accommodation Notification Service for migrant workers: What You Need to Know and Do

As an employer hiring migrant workers, one important and legally mandated requirement is the "notification of accommodation" for migrant workers to the Immigration Bureau (IB). This is a measure used by the government to manage and maintain peace and order within the country. This article will delve into all aspects of accommodation notification for migrant workers, so that all employers and relevant parties understand their duties, importance, and correct procedures.

📋 Why is Accommodation Notification Required? What Does the Law Stipulate?

Notifying the accommodation of migrant workers is not merely a matter of documentation, but an important measure for security and welfare. Section 38 of the Immigration Act clearly states that "The house-master, owner or possessor of the dwelling-place, or the manager of the hotel who receives any alien who has been permitted to stay in the Kingdom temporarily, shall notify the competent official at the Immigration Office located in the area where the house, hotel or accommodation is situated, within twenty-four hours from the time of the alien's arrival." The primary objectives of complying with this requirement are:

• ✅ National Security: Helps government agencies systematically track and verify information of migrant workers in the country, preventing crime and maintaining peace and order.
• ✅ Worker Welfare: Having clear accommodation information is beneficial for providing assistance in emergencies or when various problems arise.
• ✅ Labor Management: Helps the government have accurate data for planning and efficiently managing migrant workers.

✅ Who is Responsible for Notifying and Who Must Be Notified?

The duty to notify accommodation falls upon the "house-master, owner, or possessor of the dwelling-place," which, in the context of migrant workers, often refers to the employer themselves or the person managing the workers' accommodation.

• ✅ House-master/Accommodation Possessor (employer): Is directly responsible for submitting the notification.
• ✅ migrant worker: Refers to migrant workers of all nationalities who are permitted to stay in the Kingdom temporarily, whether from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, or other nationalities who have entered to work legally.

📅 Notification Period

It is crucial to remember "within 24 hours" from the time the migrant worker commences stay. Whether it's the first stay or a relocation to new accommodation, the notification must be submitted within this timeframe.

⚠️ Warning: Late notification or failure to notify is considered a legal offense and carries penalties as stipulated by law, which may result in relatively high fines for the employer.

📄 Documents Required for Accommodation Notification

Preparing documents in advance will help ensure a smooth notification process. The generally required documents include:

• 📌 Copy of the house-master's/accommodation possessor's national ID card
• 📌 Copy of the house-master's/accommodation possessor's house registration book
• 📌 Copy of documents proving ownership or possession of the accommodation, such as land title deed, lease agreement, agreement to buy/sell (in cases where the house-master is not the owner)
• 📌 Copy of the migrant worker's passport (page with photo and page with stamp of permission to stay in the Kingdom)
• 📌 Copy of the migrant worker's work permit or work authorization document (e.g., pink card (migrant worker ID))
• 📌 Photo of the migrant worker (may be requested in some cases)
• 📌 Form TM.30 (Notification of an Alien's Stay) which can be downloaded from the Immigration Bureau website or obtained at an immigration checkpoint

💻 Channels for Accommodation Notification

Currently, there are two main channels for accommodation notification to facilitate employers:

• 🔹 In-person notification: Can be done by visiting the immigration checkpoint in the area where the accommodation is located, or a police station (for some cases where immigration checkpoints do not yet cover the area), with all supporting documents.
• 🔹 Online notification: Is the most popular and recommended channel, as it is convenient, fast, and can be done anywhere, anytime via the Immigration Bureau website.

Online notification helps reduce travel steps and waiting times, making the management of migrant worker documents more efficient.

💡 Steps for Online Notification (for House-master/Possessor)

Online notification through the Immigration Bureau system involves straightforward steps if information and documents are prepared.

1. 📌 User Registration: If you have not used it before, you must register to create a user account in the IB's online accommodation notification system.
2. 📌 Log in: Use the registered username and password to log in to the system.
3. 📌 Select Accommodation Notification Menu: Find the menu related to notifying an alien's stay (often "แจ้งคนต่างด้าวเข้าพักอาศัย" or "แจ้ง ตม.30").
4. 📌 Fill in Information: Fill in complete accommodation details, including migrant worker information such as full name, nationality, passport number, check-in date, check-out date (if known), and other information as requested by the system.
5. 📌 Attach Documents: In some cases, the system may request attaching supporting document files, such as a copy of the passport or a copy of the work permit.
6. 📌 Review and Confirm: Review all entered information for accuracy and completeness before clicking to confirm the notification.
7. 📌 Print Certificate: After confirming the notification, the system will issue an accommodation notification certificate (TM.30), which the employer should print and keep as evidence.

⚠️ Consequences of Non-Notification or Late Notification

Neglecting or failing to comply with the law regarding accommodation notification may lead to undesirable consequences for both the employer and the migrant worker.

⚠️ Penalties for House-master/Accommodation Possessor:

• A fine of up to 2,000 Baht for non-notification or late notification per migrant worker.
• In cases of repeated offenses, the fine may be increased, and the offense of harboring illegal aliens may be considered.

⚠️ Impact on migrant workers:

• Incorrect or incomplete accommodation information may affect the consideration of visa extension (staying in the Kingdom) or future work permit applications.
• May be subject to inspection and called upon by officials for additional information, which creates inconvenience and wastes time.

🏢 Exworker Help You Manage Accommodation Notification?

Although the accommodation notification process may seem straightforward, time constraints, unfamiliarity with the system, or concerns about document accuracy lead many employers to encounter problems and waste time managing this matter.

At Exworker, we understand these challenges and are ready to be your professional assistant in managing accommodation notification for your migrant workers. We provide comprehensive services to ensure that all steps are carried out correctly and on time, giving employers peace of mind.

• ✅ Consultation: Provide detailed guidance on necessary procedures and documents, so employers understand every aspect.
• ✅ Document Preparation and Verification: Check the completeness and accuracy of all documents, reducing errors in submission.
• ✅ Online Notification Processing: Process accommodation notifications through the online system on behalf of the employer (if authorized) quickly and efficiently.
• ✅ Follow-up: Monitor the notification status and regularly inform you of the results.
• ✅ Risk Reduction: Help reduce the risk of legal violations and unnecessary fines, saving employers time and resources.

Let Exworker help manage these complicated documents, so employers can fully dedicate their time to business management.

💡 Additional Recommendations for Employers

For systematic migrant worker management and risk reduction, these recommendations should be followed:

• 📌 Create a Data Recording System: Maintain records for each migrant worker, including accommodation check-in and check-out dates, for easy verification and reference.
• 📌 Store Important Document Copies: Keep copies of passports, work permits, and TM.30 certificates organized and easily accessible.
• 📌 Update Information: If there is a change in the migrant worker's accommodation, the new accommodation must also be notified within 24 hours.
• 📌 Check Laws: Regularly follow news and announcements from the Immigration Bureau, as regulations may change.

Notifying the accommodation of migrant workers is an important matter that employers should not overlook. Strict compliance with the law not only helps employers avoid legal risks but also promotes systematic and efficient labor management. If you have any questions or require further assistance, do not hesitate to contact Exworker, the migrant worker expert, for accurate and precise advice.