Myanmar migrant workers heading to China border stuck in Muse
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Eain/Thant Zin (NP News) - Jan 21
According to residents, many Myanmar migrant workers who were supposed to work in China are now stranded in Muse, taking on various odd jobs to make ends meet.
Currently, only those with Muse household registration can get one-week passes to work in China from the Myanmar-China border town, and even they reportedly face waits of several months.
Even obtaining a one-week pass requires a job offer from China, and it's reported that more than 6,000 people from all over Myanmar are currently in Muse hoping to find work there.
A local man told The Statesman that, “Almost 10,000 people were still in Muse at the end of 2024. Since then, with around 200 people crossing the border each day, more than 3,000 have gone to China, but many are still waiting as some have returned. Only the Sinphyu and Nantaw checkpoints are open for entry.”
The local resident also added that many in Muse who have not yet obtained the one-week passes are facing severe financial difficulties due to rent and daily expenses, forcing them to take any job they can get.
He said, "Some of those stranded in Muse take whatever jobs they can find. Others attempt to cross illegally, but often get arrested, leaving them with nowhere to return. Many are now burdened with debt and unsure how to go back. Some have spent as much as 3 million kyats and plan to repay it gradually. Others receive advances and expedited processing fees from Chinese employers, who then deduct the amount from their wages. This leaves about 90 percent of the working class who want to work in China in a difficult situation."
A local woman also explained that many of those stranded in Muse are vulnerable people from rural areas who sold their farms and homes in the hope of finding work in China, but they have been left in dire straits due to fraudulent brokers.
A female resident described the situation saying "Muse is full of jobless and cheated people. When word of factory jobs spreads, people flock here, but there are far too many Myanmar workers for the available Chinese jobs. Driven by desperation after being cheated, some sell their land and homes to seek work in Thailand. Here, unscrupulous brokers prey on them, offering guaranteed passes in exchange for money and changes to their household registrations. Many fall victim to this scam, even believing the fake promises. Actually, some of the brokers really want these people to get job but there is no more calls from Shwe Li factories, the workers are left with no more options." –