By Myo Thein - Nov 10, 2025
#Letter
We are Myanmar migrant workers, including myself, working here in Laos. I am currently employed at the FUANLAI Laos shoe factory.
Right now, we are facing serious difficulties because the factory is unfairly demanding compensation fees, and that’s why I am asking for help.
According to the employment contract, we are required to sign for three years. But if we want to quit for any reason, the factory demands USD 1,800 as compensation.
Even before the contract period ends whether because of health issues or family medical emergencies, the factory still demands USD 1,000, and we also have to buy our own airfare to return home.
Some workers who cannot afford to pay these fees have even been forced to escape through dangerous border routes, because there is no other option.
I am still working at this factory right now. We tried seeking help from the Myanmar Embassy in Laos, but they have not provided any assistance at all.
Everyone including the relevant authorities knows exactly how much the recruitment costs are for hiring a worker to Laos. But even though they know this, no one is helping us resolve this unfair situation.
Other factories here only charge about USD 500 as compensation. But FUANLAI Laos is demanding extremely unreasonable amounts.
We came abroad, leaving our families behind, because we were struggling in Myanmar. Now we are dealing with even more hardship.
Because the compensation amount set by FUANLAI Laos is far too excessive and unfair, we are reaching out to ask for urgent help.
The FUANLAI Laos shoe factory is located in Vientiane, Saysettha District, Saysettha Development Zone.
