Myanmar suspends letters of male migrant worker demands, not prohibiting departure
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NP News - May 6
It is temporary suspension of demand letters of Myanmar male migrant workers from foreign countries and it is not true that men are barred from going abroad.
The announcement from the Ministry of Labour under the State Administration Council was issued on 1 May suspending the Demand Letters temporarily, but does not represent a total blockage.
On social media, the news spread quickly on 2 May that the SAC announced a restriction on men working in foreign countries.
According to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour U Nyunt Win, the announcement regarding Demand Letters is just a temporary suspension. He stated, "It is just a temporary suspension. For the time being, we won’t allow if the demand is submitted for male workers. We announce suspension as per the conditions and necessities. However, it will be permitted again after a certain extent of period or conditions. What I would like to point out is that people need not extend their thoughts and exaggerate on that matter. We have to impose the suspension since it is needed to do so. I think everybody will understand the meaning of the word 'suspension'. This is what I want to say."
Following the interview, the Ministry of Labour issued a clarification to all media outlets. They explained that the suspension of Demand Letters is a temporary measure to allow for a more thorough scrutiny process and other necessary procedures.
The authorities have clarified that the suspension of male workers leaving the country is temporary. It will be lifted after a certain period or when specific requirements are met.
Since when the Covid-19 pandemic has been controlled, Myanmar nationals of both genders have been migrating to Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Korea, and other countries.
The Overseas Employment Agency reports that Thailand is the primary source of Demand Letters requesting Myanmar male workers.
Employment agencies report that nearly 10,000 Myanmar workers, both men and women, are legally migrating to Thailand for work.
A businessman from an Overseas Employment Agency said, "Demand for male workers is higher, especially from Thailand. Other countries are not as high in demand. The illegal migrant channel to Thailand is the most popular. Even when the legal channels are open, there are many illegal migrant workers. This suspension policy may lead to an increase in undocumented workers. For countries like Japan and Korea, illegal migration is not as much of a problem since it is more difficult for workers to do so."
Employment agencies also express concern that the suspension of male migrant worker departures for overseas employment could lead to a rise in illegal migration to Thailand.
Exiled media and some social media platforms deceive public by drawing assumptions that temporary suspension of men from going abroad is connected with the People’s Military Service Law; the SAC government tries to increase the numbers of servicemen by banning the men who do not want to serve the military service and want to leave the country.
However, entrepreneurs from industrial and manufacturing industries remarked draining human resources to other countries with a lot of numbers isn’t good for the country and therefore, it should be managed systematically.
In recent years, there has been an increase in undocumented migration of Myanmar citizens to Thailand. This has resulted in frequent arrests by Thai authorities.
Experts also fear that increased illegal migration could heighten the risk of human trafficking.
The temporary suspension period for male migrant workers is anticipated to range from 4 to 5 days up to one to two months, with one agency mentioning the necessity to monitor the evolving conditions closely.
Millions of Myanmar migrant workers are reported to be currently employed abroad; Thailand is the most popular destination.