Law Aid: Empower Refugees to Live and Work Legally: Support Legal Aid and Help Break the Cycle of Fear!
This project is under the special attention of the Avoda CEO Sriphai Homberg.
Sriphai Homberg is a certified lawyer in Thailand. She hails from grassroots—she is the granddaughter of tribal refugees who migrated to Thailand 80 years ago. Sriphai has personally encountered injustice, which inspired her to study law and become a lawyer. Now, in her capacity as both a lawyer and CEO, she is actively working to help migrants receive justice and the opportunity for a better life.
Navigating the legal landscape in Thailand is one of the most challenging hurdles for Burmese refugees. Many of them arrive without identification documents and find themselves trapped in a legal grey area, living in constant fear of deportation or exploitation. Without legal status, refugees cannot access formal employment or benefits and are often forced to work in illegal and unsafe conditions.
Avoda’s Legal Aid Program helps refugees break free from this cycle of uncertainty by assisting them in obtaining a 10-year visa and work permit. This legal status is crucial for refugees as it allows them to legally work in Thailand, earn a minimum wage, and access essential social services such as healthcare.
Please, I want to support this work:
Your donation to the Legal Aid Program helps refugees gain the legal freedom they desperately need to survive and thrive in Thailand. For just USD 10 a month, your support will:
• Assist a refugee in obtaining a 10-year visa and work permit, allowing them to legally work and earn a fair wage.
• Provide refugees with the protection they need to escape the constant fear of deportation and exploitation.
• Ensure that refugees can access social services such as healthcare and education, providing them with the resources to build a better life.
By supporting the Legal Aid Program, you’re giving refugees the chance to live and work legally in Thailand, empowering them to escape the grey zone and find a pathway to independence and success.
The process involves guiding refugees through the complex paperwork, navigating Thai immigration laws, and ensuring that they meet the criteria for obtaining a long-term visa. Once they have secured their 10-year visa, they are no longer confined to the shadows and can legally work and live without fear.
Through our Legal Aid Program, we provide refugees with the opportunity to transition from a life of hardship and illegality to one of stability and self-sufficiency.
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Q&A for Legal Aid:
Q1: How much does it cost for a refugee to obtain a 10-year visa and work permit?
A: There are certain fees involved in the visa process. However, Avoda works to cover these costs and ensure that refugees do not incur debt, so they can focus on building a better future.
Q2: Does every refugee qualify for a 10-year visa?
A: Not every refugee will automatically qualify. The Thai government sets conditions for obtaining a visa, and the political situation may affect these rules. However, refugees who diligently follow the Avoda Burmese Refugee Masterplan have a higher chance of qualifying.
Q3: What happens if a refugee cannot obtain legal status?
A: Without legal status, refugees are excluded from formal employment opportunities and must Page 1 of 2 continue working in illegal and unsafe conditions. They remain trapped in a cycle of poverty and exploitation. Avoda’s Legal Aid Program helps refugees break free from this cycle by helping them obtain the necessary legal documents.
Q4: How does Avoda help refugees apply for the 10-year visa?A: Avoda’s legal team works directly with each refugee, assisting them in completing the required paperwork, ensuring they meet the eligibility criteria, and guiding them through the entire process. This includes understanding immigration laws and addressing any issues that arise during the application process.
Q5: Can a refugee apply for the 10-year visa without Avoda’s assistance?
A: While it is possible for refugees to apply on their own, the process can be complicated, and many are unfamiliar with Thai immigration laws. Avoda’s legal team provides essential guidance and support to ensure that the application is completed correctly, giving refugees the best chance of success.
Q6: How long does it take for a refugee to receive their visa and work permit?
A: The process can take several months, depending on the complexity of the case and the political climate in Thailand. However, Avoda ensures that each refugee is supported throughout the process and kept informed of any updates.
Q7: What are the benefits of obtaining a 10-year visa and work permit?
A: With legal status, refugees are free to pursue lawful employment, earn at least the minimum wage, and access essential social services like healthcare and education. It provides stability and the chance for refugees to improve their lives in Thailand without the constant fear of deportation.
Q8: Can I donate specifically to support the Legal Aid Program?
A: Yes! You can choose to designate your donation specifically to support the Legal Aid Program.
Your contribution will go directly toward helping refugees obtain the necessary legal documents to live and work legally in Thailand.
Q9: How many refugees has Avoda helped with legal aid?
A: Avoda has assisted hundreds of refugees in obtaining legal status in Thailand, helping them transition from a life of uncertainty to one of stability and opportunity.
Q10: What happens once a refugee receives their legal status?
A: Once a refugee obtains their 10-year visa and work permit, they are free to legally work in Thailand, earn a fair wage, and access social services. They no longer need to live in fear of deportation and can begin building a secure future for themselves and their families.