MOU workers who have completed 4 years of employment must, as a general rule, return to their home country before their permission to stay in Thailand expires. If the employer wants to keep the same worker, the worker must be brought in again through the MOU system. Overstaying is an offence under immigration law, and an employer who lets the worker keep working is also committing an offence.
In 2026 (B.E. 2569) there have been developments regarding relief measures for Myanmar workers. This article summarizes both the general rules and the latest status so employers can plan in time.
How Long Can Workers Stay Under the MOU System?
Workers who enter under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Thailand and their country of origin are entitled to work as follows:
| Period | Duration |
|---|---|
| First term | 2 years |
| Renewal | Another 2 years |
| Maximum total | 4 years |
Once 4 years are reached, a normal in-country renewal is no longer possible. The term must end and the process must start again.
Steps When a Worker Is Nearing 4 Years
- Check the end date 3–6 months in advance using the visa and work permit.
- Decide whether to rehire the same worker. If so, start preparing the new import documents in parallel.
- Notify the worker’s resignation/termination within 15 days of the end of employment.
- The worker returns to their home country before the permission to stay expires.
- Apply to bring the worker in again through the MOU system once the conditions set by the authorities are met.
- The worker returns with a new visa and work permit, and the 2+2-year term starts again.
Rest Period Before Re-Import
Workers who complete 4 years must spend a period in their home country before being brought in again (the length set by the announcement in force at the time). The actual period depends on the country of origin and the announcements in force at the time, so check with the Department of Employment (DOE) before planning.
2026 Update: Proposed Waiver of the Rest Period (Myanmar)
In 2026 there is a proposal to waive the rest period for Myanmar workers whose MOU reaches 4 years in 2026. It has been approved in principle but is still awaiting an official announcement.
⚠️ At the time of writing, this proposal is still being finalized for submission to the migrant worker management policy committee (KBT) and the Cabinet. It should not be used as a reason to let workers overstay until there is an official announcement.
Common Mistakes
- Waiting until the visa has only a few days left, so re-importing cannot be completed in time and the business is short-staffed during the gap
- Assuming the term can be renewed like the 2-year renewal, causing workers to overstay
- Not notifying the worker’s departure when employment ends
- Not preparing replacements when several workers reach 4 years at the same time
Plan Ahead to Avoid Staff Shortages
- Keep a schedule of every worker’s 4-year date
- If several workers finish at the same time, re-import them in batches
- Use other workers with valid status to cover the transition period
- Follow announcements on relief measures closely
📋 Quick summary
- MOU workers can work 2 years + a 2-year renewal, for a total of no more than 4 years
- At 4 years: return home, then be brought in again through the MOU system
- A period in the home country is required before returning (length per the announcement in force at the time)
- In 2026 there is a proposal to waive the rest period for Myanmar workers, but it is still awaiting approval
- Plan 3–6 months in advance
MOU worker nearing 4 years?
Let Best Friend Visa plan the return and re-import so your business is never short-staffed.
Chat on LINE — free advice Call 093-541-6444
Related services
Last updated: 17 October 2026 (B.E. 2569) — regulations may change; please check with our staff before proceeding.