The military council has issued a secret order completely banning the conversion of Professional Job (PJ) passports to all other passport types. This ban includes conversions to Visit (PV), Dependent (PT), and Education (PE) passport categories. While previously only PJ to PV conversions were prohibited as of June 6, 2024, the new restrictions implemented from August 7 now cover all passport type conversions. This comprehensive ban affects passport offices throughout Myanmar, where previously people could convert their PJ passports to other categories for various purposes including visits, dependent status, or educational pursuits abroad.
The military has completely banned foreign travel for young men aged 18 to 35 using PJ passports, leading many youth seeking to avoid military service to attempt various methods of leaving the country using other passport types. This restriction particularly impacts young people planning to travel to Japan and Korea as student workers, significantly limiting opportunities for youth to leave the country. The situation at airports has intensified, with increasing numbers of both male and female travelers aged 18 to 35 being turned away and denied exit from the country. Additionally, the military council is reportedly discussing implementing stricter scrutiny of tourist travel using PV passports.
These restrictions have created significant barriers for young people seeking educational and employment opportunities abroad. The impact is particularly severe for those planning to participate in training programs or work-study arrangements in countries like Japan and Korea. Language school owners and education consultants report growing difficulties in facilitating student and worker placements abroad. The military council’s increasingly stringent measures appear aimed at preventing youth from leaving the country through any means, effectively closing off pathways to international opportunities and experiences. These restrictions represent a significant limitation on young people’s freedom of movement and their ability to pursue career and educational advancement opportunities abroad.
