The military council has prohibited nurses with degrees and diplomas from Myanmar from taking licensing examinations in Singapore by refusing to issue necessary documentation. According to Myanmar nurses in Singapore, the military council has completely stopped issuing academic transcripts, which are essential documents required for taking the licensing examination in Singapore. These transcript letters are crucial for nurses seeking to obtain their professional licenses in Singapore.
Nurses who have graduated with nursing degrees from Myanmar are eligible to work as nursing assistants in Singapore for two years, after which they can take the licensing examination conducted by the Singapore Nursing Board (SNB). However, the military council’s refusal to issue academic transcripts has created significant obstacles for Myanmar nurses working abroad. Additionally, the military council has also restricted passport renewal services at Myanmar embassies for nurses working overseas. The council has placed all Myanmar nurses working abroad on a blacklist and is denying them passport renewal services at embassies.
The military council’s restrictions have prevented nurses from achieving positions commensurate with their qualifications, causing significant hardship. Despite opportunities available in foreign countries, these nurses are unable to pursue them due to the military council’s restrictions. Furthermore, those seeking passport renewals must return to Myanmar and apply with endorsement from the Ministry of Health. The military council has also imposed strict limitations on passport applications for all healthcare workers, doctors, and nurses under the Ministry of Health, requiring ministerial approval for any passport applications. These restrictions have created substantial difficulties for Myanmar healthcare professionals working abroad, particularly those in Singapore, effectively cutting off their ability to advance their careers and maintain their legal status in their host countries.
