“There are only 4,587 more workers to undergo the procedure,” he said, adding that 155,310 migrant workers had already undergone identity verification scanning.

The workers yet to be scanned were in Rayong, Pattani, Samut Prakan, Chachoengsao, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Chon Buri, Samut Songkhram, and Chanthaburi.

Iris scanning is part of the government’s policy to collect data and legalise 159,897 migrant workers from Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar who work in fishery, fish/seafood processing and fishery establishments in 22 coastal provinces.

The iris scanning process is more accurate than other means, such as fingerprinting or photo identification. Iris scanning can also prevent subrogation, identity theft or other problems, Adul said.