Difficult journeys for Myanmar workers to China
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Phyo/Yoon (NP News) - Jan 10
As Myanmar workers use brokers and various routes to seek factory jobs in China, a growing number are encountering difficulties, according to Muse town residents speaking to NP News.
Driven by rising domestic commodity prices and declining wages, an increasing number of Myanmar workers are traveling through Muse to work in Chinese factories, often using brokers.
However, it has been revealed that they are only traveling with weekly visas, which allow them to stay in China for just seven days, instead of official visas.
"If the Myanmar government issued work permits at the border, it would be manageable for the workers," a source from Muse town told The Statesman Journal. "But without them, they rely on weekly visas allowing only a seven-day stay in China, causing significant hardship."
Despite traveling to Muse in search of work, some workers find themselves stranded, and many are reportedly victims of deception.
The source explained “travel from Mandalay to Muse is difficult, as cars cannot use the direct highway and must take winding routes through Taunggyi, sometimes taking three to five days, or even a week. During periods of armed conflict, the journey can last up to 18 days, sometimes forcing travelers to sleep on the road. Many arrive in Muse only to find themselves stranded without work or deceived by brokers. While numerous cars travel from Mandalay to Muse, workers often rely on brokers and from Shwepaukkan, traveling in groups. They come seeking factory jobs promised with weekly visas.”
Reports indicate that approximately 3,000 Myanmar workers entered Shwe Li City, China, using weekly visas last year.
Chinese factories offer wages of 1,700 yuan. However, due to the large number of workers seeking employment, it is reported that only about 10 Myanmar workers are hired each month.
"They come to work in the factory. Once they receive their weekly visas, they travel with these visas. Upon reaching Muse, they place 50 to 60 people in warehouses. If they wish to bring individuals with weekly visas from this side, they must obtain a recruitment letter from the labor office. The factory guarantees their employment, and once it confirms that they are hiring, the workers can enter with their weekly visas and begin work. Many people are coming to work. In Mandalay, the vehicles heading to Muse are accompanied by brokers," he said.