The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has issued a report warning about the increasing number of young people wanting to leave Myanmar. The new report, released on International Youth Day, details the hopes, concerns, and migration patterns of youth navigating what is described as one of the most challenging periods in Myanmar’s history. According to the Myanmar Youth Survey, which collected perspectives from over 7,000 young people nationwide, four out of ten youth are considering leaving the country due to economic collapse, conflict, and military conscription. This trend is particularly pronounced among highly educated youth, raising concerns about potential brain drain at a time when Myanmar needs skilled workers.
The survey reveals that 53 percent of educated youth express a desire to leave the country, with potential impacts on sectors such as healthcare, education, and engineering. Japan emerges as the most desired destination country, while Thailand remains the most practical choice for actual migration. The report highlights that 47 percent of youth are traveling through unsafe routes due to lack of proper documentation. Rakhine State shows the highest proportion of potential migrants at over 60 percent compared to other regions and states. Nine percent specifically cite military service law as their motivation for wanting to relocate, with this concern being more prevalent among males than females.
However, the report also contains encouraging findings. Nearly 90 percent of those wanting to migrate indicate they would return if political and economic conditions improve. The majority of youth remain optimistic about the future, with almost half believing their lives will improve within the next five years. Two-thirds maintain faith in the possibility of peace and support ceasefire and reconciliation efforts. The report notes that while higher-educated youth express more dissatisfaction, with 65 percent stating the country is on the wrong track, there remains a strong attachment to home and country among Myanmar’s youth. The UNDP emphasizes the importance of creating economic and educational opportunities for youth within the country, establishing connections with those who have left, and expanding safe and legal migration pathways to protect young migrant workers from exploitation.
