Mizzima-Feb 3
The Myanmar junta has imposed new restrictions preventing men aged 18 to 35, who are eligible for military conscription, from obtaining an Overseas Workers Identity Card (OWIC), effectively barring them from traveling abroad for work, according to overseas employment agencies. An employee from one such agency stated that new OWIC applications are no longer being accepted, though those who had previously scheduled an appointment can still collect their cards. However, even those in possession of an OWIC may face difficulties leaving the country for employment. Under the new regulations, individuals without an OWIC will be denied permission to depart for work, meaning they will be stopped at the airport. Those who already have an OWIC and had signed contracts before 30 January can still travel, but starting 31 January, no new contracts will be allowed for conscription-eligible men, and OWIC applications remain restricted. Although no official directive has been issued, the current implementation suggests the restrictions are in effect. When Mizzima inquired about this issue with the OWIC card issuing offices of the Migrant Workers Unit under the Military Council’s Ministry of Labor, the officials informed that new applicants would be subject to age limitations and that only those who had already signed contracts would be issued cards. They later refused to make more comments. Men listed for conscription are outright banned from leaving the country. Even those who previously held OWIC cards are now subject to stricter inspections at airports. Additionally, those who are not on the conscription list must reportedly pay bribes to obtain departure clearance.
According to travelers, PV (Passport for Visit) holder attempting to leave Myanmar, must pay a so-called “facilitation fee” of approximately 5 million kyats (approx. $2,300) to junta personnel, police, and brokers in order to pass immigration at Yangon International Airport. The junta has now extended these restrictions to those using PJ (Passport for Job) holder, further impacting overseas employment agencies. Read more at:
