Myanmar regime tightens travel restrictions on returning migrant workers

Myanmar’s military junta has imposed new travel restrictions on migrant workers returning from abroad, making it significantly harder for them to visit home and resume employment overseas. Workers returning to Myanmar are already required to comply with additional administrative requirements beyond standard immigration procedures. Upon arrival at Yangon International Airport, they must report to a Ministry of Labour counter to formally record their entry into the country. To leave Myanmar again for overseas employment, workers must also apply to the ministry at least five days in advance and submit extensive documentation. This includes a passport, an Overseas Workers Identity Card (OWIC), a valid work permit, an employer-issued leave letter, and a confirmed flight ticket. Departure is only permitted after official approval is granted. In a further tightening of regulations announced this week, the Ministry of Labour stated that from May 1, workers must also obtain a recommendation letter from the Myanmar embassy in their country of employment before returning home. Those working in countries without a Myanmar embassy are required to seek documentation from the nearest available mission, the ministry said in a statement published by state media. Authorities also warned that workers who have changed jobs without updating their OWIC must reapply for a new card. The regime justified the stricter rules by claiming that some individuals were attempting to leave the country using forged documents while posing as returning workers. Labour rights advocates have strongly criticised the measures. Moe Kyaw, a Myanmar labour activist based in Thailand, said the restrictions were counterproductive and harmful to both workers and the national economy. “Migrant workers bring in foreign income and contribute to economic circulation when they return home,” he said. “Instead of supporting them, the authorities are creating unnecessary barriers. This is completely unacceptable.” Workers have also raised concerns about delays and alleged corruption. According to Moe Kyaw, some officials are exploiting the complex procedures by demanding informal payments to expedite approvals, particularly in urgent situations. The new restrictions come as the junta continues to rely heavily on remittances from overseas workers as a source of foreign currency. At the same time, workers are subject to mandatory income taxes and fees, including charges tied to passport renewals, which many see as coercive. A statement from the Myanmar embassy in Tokyo noted that a fee of 3,000 yen is required to obtain the newly mandated recommendation letter. For many workers, the growing bureaucratic burden has become a deterrent to returning home. A Myanmar worker in Singapore, speaking anonymously, said the process is increasingly overwhelming. “Even if we get leave, there are countless steps to follow,” she said. “Now we need additional documents from the embassy. Many people feel homesick but are afraid to return because they may not be able to go back to work abroad.” Since seizing power in 2021, the junta has tightened control over labour migration, including requiring OWIC cards for overseas employment. The application process can take months and requires proof of tax payments and employment documentation. Observers note that while the regime seeks foreign earnings from migrant workers, it has simultaneously restricted opportunities for citizens to work or study abroad. Travellers report increased scrutiny at airports, particularly for young men, who are often barred from leaving the country. The restrictions also coincide with the enforcement of the People’s Military Service Law enacted in February 2024, which mandates military service for men aged 18 to 35 and women aged 18 to 27 for up to five years, raising further concerns about freedom of movement and labour rights.

Myanmar regime tightens travel restrictions on returning migrant workers

Myanmar nationals employed overseas must now produce a letter from their nearest embassy before re-entering the country

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