According to military sources in Naypyidaw, following comments by military leader Min Aung Hlaing about increased foreign currency expenditure due to high numbers of people leaving Myanmar for various reasons, the military council has begun discussions to implement screening procedures for all foreign travel. At the military council meeting held in Naypyidaw on May 20, the military leader remarked that foreign currency rates were rising due to increased foreign currency spending from various types of overseas travel.
Under the military council’s screening plan, all foreign travel including religious pilgrimages, missionary work, leisure trips, medical treatment, education, business, and employment will be reviewed. Only those deemed to have necessary reasons for travel will be granted permission. Currently, men aged 18-35 who are eligible for military service are banned from traveling abroad for work. Strict screening is being conducted at airports by immigration, police, military intelligence, and other departmental screening teams.
The military council has established a Foreign Currency Supervision Committee led by Mya Tun Oo to control foreign currency usage. They report spending approximately $5 billion annually on fuel imports, and while electric vehicle imports are permitted, restrictions exist due to foreign currency requirements. Despite having a trade surplus, negative balances in other expenditures continue to drive up foreign exchange rates according to the military council.
Currently, reports indicate that bribes of at least 6 million kyats are required to obtain permission for foreign travel. Even with complete documentation including job offers, visas, and air tickets, travelers cannot leave without Ministry of Labor approval. This system has been in place for about two months, according to Yangon-based overseas employment agency operators. Many travelers are being turned away daily at airports even after reaching the departure point.
