Myanmar nationals now need unique identifier numbers to leave the country

Myanmar’s military regime has imposed a new rule requiring citizens to have a unique identifier, or UID, number when applying for passports or leaving the country. The measure, which is seen as part of the junta’s effort to prevent young people from going abroad to avoid conscription, applies to people using temporary border passes to enter neighbouring countries as well as passport holders. “They are now making it harder to go overseas or cross the border. It looks like they are tightening restrictions on youths taking part in the revolution,” said one young man preparing to leave for Japan. The regime began issuing UID numbers to civil servants last year as a step towards establishing a national electronic registration system. Those who wish to register must already possess a national registration card (NRC) and provide photos, fingerprints, retina scans, and other data. “They took the information from my NRC, my phone number, and close-up and long-range shots of my face and eyes. It didn’t take long, though,” said a woman living in Naypyitaw who recently signed up for a UID. Eventually, the junta plans to begin issuing UID smart cards—a step that is still a long way off, according to an official working in a regime ministry in Naypyitaw. A prototype of the UID card “The government staff registered for UIDs a year ago, but all they received were sheets of paper with their biometric data on them. It’s going to take a long time to create smart cards, even for ministers,” he said. While it may be difficult to fully implement the system in a county that is routinely hit by power outages and internet blackouts, there are already concerns about what it will mean for those with an interest in remaining undetected. “It could prove to be challenging for young people who are wanted by the regime for being involved with urban guerrilla groups,” said a member of a resistance group operating in Bago Region. Meanwhile, the sudden demand for UID numbers has meant long queues at registration offices—and demands for bribes to speed up the process. On Tuesday, the regime released a statement warning the public not use agents to get UIDs and to report officials who offered expedited service for a fee. Junta-controlled newspapers have also reported that a number of people have been arrested at airports, shipping ports, and border gates around the country for using fake UID numbers. However, no further details were provided.

Myanmar nationals now need unique identifier numbers to leave the country

The new rule is the latest measure aimed at preventing young people from going abroad to avoid conscription

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