Myanmar migrant remittances now junta’s largest foreign currency source

Remittances from migrant workers were Myanmar’s single-largest source of foreign currency last year, exceeding even earnings from natural gas, its most valuable export, according to junta ministry figures. Since the 2021 coup, Myanmar's foreign exchange reserves have plummeted due to a suspension of international aid, withdrawal of foreign investment, and weak export earnings, making the regime increasingly dependent on the wages of workers abroad. Starting from late 2023, the junta began forcing Myanmar nationals abroad to transfer 25 percent of their wages to their families through junta-controlled banks and remittance channels, and pay 2 percent of their total overseas earnings as income tax. Remittances sent back to families by workers abroad exceeded US$5.6 billion in 2025, the junta’s labour minister, Maung Myint, said during a session of parliament on October 15. All efforts would be made to obtain the same amount this year, he added. According to data from the regime’s Central Statistical Organisation, the total export value of natural gas, one of the highest-value export items in the 2023-24 fiscal year, was only $4 billion—$1.6 billion less than migrant worker remittances. However, Maung Myint did not disclose how much money the regime directly received from the 2 percent income tax collection. Family remittances must be transferred through 16 banks connected with international financial transfer services and 18 companies that have been granted country-specific transfer licenses. This often involves a significant loss on the value of the remittances. For instance, if workers transfer money through CB Bank, it will be calculated at 3,985 kyat per US dollar, well below the actual market rate of around 4,530 kyat per US dollar, resulting in a loss of 545 kyats for every dollar transferred. During a seminar on assisting migrant workers on October 10, the labour minister said that remitted foreign currencies were used to import fuel, cooking oil, and medicine. He added that although the junta’s exchange rate is lower than the real market price, the difference should be regarded as a “donation.” “Even if you actually send it at a loss, that is your charitable donation. I want to say that this is a donation that will follow you throughout your life,” he said. Migrant workers criticised the regime’s forced remittance scheme, which they said only creates more problems for them and unfairly deprives them of some of their hard-earned money. One man who arrived in Bangkok in 2022 said that many Myanmar nationals in Thailand struggle to make ends meet and often can’t afford to transfer any of their earnings. He said the junta-controlled financial system used to transfer remittances lacks transparency. He also expressed concern that the money collected by the regime could be used to purchase weapons and ammunition for its combat operations. “To speak frankly, I don't want to give even a single cent. It’s our hard-earned money—real sweat and blood here. I just don't feel willing to give it,” he said. The man said he fled to Thailand after being targeted for arrest by the regime. After initially refusing to apply for a junta-issued Certificate of Identification (CI), he eventually obtained one due to difficulties finding work and traveling in Thailand without it. On October 12, the junta’s labour ministry announced that Myanmar workers who illegally travelled to Thailand would only be issued a CI card upon presenting proof of transferring 25 percent of their wages for three months to family in Myanmar. For migrant workers returning home temporarily, they would also be banned from travelling again if they failed to show proof they had transferred the income tax and wage remittances, according to workers. Set Aung, a former deputy minister during the National League for Democracy government, wrote on social media that many low-wage migrant workers are forced to reduce their living expenses, take out loans, or work overtime in order to transfer the required 25 percent of their salary in remittances. “Individuals must decide for themselves based on their own income, expenses, and family needs,” he said. “Setting a uniform rule can impose a heavier burden on low-income earners.” He wrote that withholding passports and other documents from those who have not paid the remittances restricts their freedom of movement and right to a livelihood, which needs to be scrutinised from human rights and labor rights perspectives.

Myanmar migrant remittances now junta’s largest foreign currency source

Labour remittances sent back to families from Myanmar migrant workers abroad exceeded US$5.6 billion in 2025, according to regime data

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