Lao Minister of Labour and Social Welfare Baikham Khattiya has introduced a series of initiatives to tackle the country's labour shortage, as announced during the seventh National Assembly meeting last month.

In collaboration with the Lao Federation of Trade Unions and the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and in consultation with the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare aims to enhance engagement with employers and labour exporters. This collaboration is focused on providing timely labour market information, adapting training methods, announcing job openings, and ensuring worker protection under labour and social security laws.

A significant initiative involves consulting with relevant sectors to adjust wages to attract more workers and improve their standard of living. The minister noted that the appropriate wage to match current economic conditions is 3.8 million kip, while the average wage currently received by workers is 2.7 million kip, which is above the minimum wage.

The ministry plans to organize central labour meetings to address the high demand for labourers. These meetings will bring together employees and employers to discuss labour needs and find solutions to the shortage.

Additionally, steps are being taken to prevent illegal working abroad by supporting individuals seeking legal employment opportunities. By fostering new working skills, the ministry aims to empower returning workers to apply their expertise effectively.

These initiatives are designed to create a robust labour market at a national level, providing more job opportunities and ensuring fair wages for Lao workers. The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare believes that organizing central labour meetings and supporting legal employment abroad will further strengthen the workforce, contributing to the country’s labour market and economic growth.