The government is hopeful that enactment of a marine fisheries law will better protect Myanmar citizens who are working in foreign fisheries, especially in Thailand, from exploitation by employers, a senior official said.

Union Minister for Labour, Immigration and Population U Thein Swe said the Myanmar Marine Fisheries Law that is being drafted will include provisions related to local and migrant fishery workers.

“The Department of Fisheries is writing the law. Matters related to fishery workers are going to be included so they can get protection from rules and regulations in the law,” the union minister said in a recent workshop on the law held in Nay Pyi Taw.

Currently, the Myanmar Fisheries Federation is in discussion with relevant departments and organisations to ensure more protection for fishery workers abroad.

A total of 41,125 Myanmar fishermen are working in Thailand, another 45,400 are employed in fishery-related industries, and 58,741 in marine product factories.

The Department of Fisheries is expected to submit the law to the Amyotha Hluttaw during the next session, according to U Win Myint, secretary of the Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Development Committee of the parliament.