According to a report from the Ministry of Labor under the military council, the overseas employment of basic workers has been indefinitely suspended due to the decreasing number of Myanmar nationals returning to the country. Currently, only skilled workers and those under government-to-government agreements are being permitted to work abroad after careful screening.
The suspension of foreign employment began on February 14, after which only skilled workers and those under G2G arrangements have been allowed to leave the country with approval from the Ministry of Labor. Notably, the issuance of Overseas Worker Identification Cards (OWIC) has been suspended for basic workers, significantly impacting their ability to seek employment abroad.
This restrictive measure was implemented following the appointment of former Myanmar Ambassador to Thailand, Chit Swe, as Minister of Labor by military council leader Min Aung Hlaing on January 31. Currently, only skilled workers heading to Japan, Russia, and Laos are being personally screened and approved by the Labor Minister. The military council claims these restrictions are necessary due to foreign currency shortages, insufficient tax revenue from overseas workers, declining population, and domestic labor shortages.
The military council’s decision reflects their concerns about the country’s demographic changes and economic challenges. During a military council meeting in Naypyidaw in February, Min Aung Hlaing highlighted issues such as population decline due to various factors including increased emigration, casualties from various causes, and declining birth rates. He also emphasized the growing scarcity of domestic workers. However, these restrictions are likely to further impact the economic opportunities available to Myanmar’s citizens and potentially exacerbate existing economic hardships.
