Starting March 17, all workers planning to travel abroad with PJ employment passports are now required to obtain permission from the military council’s Ministry of Labor, as confirmed by overseas employment agencies. Previously, workers could travel abroad with just their OWIC, passport, and airline tickets, but now they must obtain mandatory approval from the Ministry of Labor. This new requirement marks a significant change in the process for Myanmar workers seeking employment opportunities abroad.
Under the military council’s order, workers must apply for permission at least five days before their departure date, and travel will only be permitted after receiving approval. The Ministry of Labor will send daily lists of approved workers to both Yangon and Mandalay International Airports, and those not included in these approved lists will not be allowed to depart. Furthermore, the ministry has implemented a strict quota, limiting the number of workers permitted to leave to between 100 and 120 people per day, according to overseas employment agency circles. This represents a significant restriction on the movement of workers seeking opportunities abroad.
These stringent regulations were implemented following the military council’s appointment of Chit Swe, former Myanmar Ambassador to Thailand, as Minister of Labor on January 31. The new restrictions are expected to create significant challenges for Myanmar workers seeking employment abroad, particularly affecting those who are planning to work overseas due to economic hardships. The implementation of these new controls reflects the military council’s increasing restrictions on civilian movement and employment opportunities, potentially impacting the livelihoods of many Myanmar citizens who rely on overseas employment as a means of supporting their families.
