Rising emigration fueled by soaring living costs, low wages
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Hsu/ Yoon (NP News) - Aug 27
Low wages within the country have led to an increasing number of people emigrating, with a particularly sharp rise this year, according to a labor rights activist who spoke to The NP News.
Additionally, domestic workers are increasingly choosing employment abroad due to security concerns within the country.
It is understood that most individuals who travel abroad have family or connections already residing there, which has contributed to the increasing number of workers seeking opportunities overseas this year.
A labor rights activist stated, "Large numbers of people with family or connections abroad are leaving the country. Low wages and escalating security concerns are driving workers, including those from garment factories, to seek opportunities overseas. Both men and women are departing in greater numbers this year. In some cases, women are pioneering the move, followed by their husbands or other male relatives, utilizing existing connections."
Despite the government's 1,000 Kyat allowance increase for the lowest-paid workers and government employees, reports indicate it has had a negligible impact on their overall financial situation.
Soaring living costs, including skyrocketing commodity prices, rent, and utility bills, have rendered wages insufficient for domestic workers, prompting many to seek employment abroad.
Since May, the Ministry of Labor's imposition of age restrictions on overseas employment applications has triggered a surge in Myanmar nationals resorting to illegal means to seek work abroad.
Furthermore, authorities reportedly began restricting certain workers from leaving the country with PV Passports, typically used for short-term visits, to seek employment abroad starting in early August, resulting in difficulties for some workers.