Restrictions on Migration: Conscription-Age Men Affected by New Orders
PUBLISHED: 15 Feb 2025 at 20:37
The military junta in Myanmar has announced a suspension of the official channels for sending migrant workers to Thailand, prompting immediate concerns among overseas employment agencies.
While migrant workers still have the option to travel to other countries under specific conditions, the directive to halt movement to Thailand was implemented on Friday, according to sources within the employment sector.
Officials communicated the changes verbally to the Myanmar Overseas Employment Services Entrepreneurs Association, declining to provide a written notice confirming the suspension.
According to an agency source, “When we requested a formal letter to clarify the suspension, they only offered us a verbal directive. They specified that this restriction is only for Thailand and does not apply to other destinations.”
Recently, 140 workers designated for overseas employment struggled to present their departure permits on time at Yangon airport, highlighting the complications arising from the new restrictions.
Amid increasing pressure from ethnic armed groups and resistance movements, the military regime has also implemented a ban on males aged 18 to 35 exiting the country, citing the need for more conscripts.
Even with valid travel or work permits, many men are reportedly facing obstacles when attempting to board flights from Yangon.
Data from the International Organization for Migration indicates that as of March 2024, approximately 2.3 million registered migrant workers from Myanmar are in Thailand, accounting for about 70% of the country’s registered migrant population.
In response to these developments, employers in Singapore have started to seek alternative labor sources, expressing concerns over the availability of workers from Myanmar.
One employment agent noted, “Overseas employers have been inquiring if we can still fulfill their requests for workers, but we are uncertain how to respond given the current situation.”
