Visa denials affect workers awaiting OWIC for Russia
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Phyo/Pearl (NP News) -Dec 10
According to interviews conducted by The Statesman with people preparing to travel to Russia for work, some people have had their visas denied while waiting to receive their OWIC cards to work in Russia under the pilot project.
Currently, there are over 40 workers who have obtained visas, but more than 10 of them have had their visas denied because they did not receive OWIC cards to work in Russia on the date stated in the visa invitation.
“In late October, the ministry told us not to submit visas anymore. About 90 people had already submitted theirs, so they were put on hold from that point. However, visas for those who had applied earlier have been gradually approved. None of the new applications are being processed at the moment. Currently, over 50 people still need to go to Russia, and we submitted OWIC applications for 42 people whose departure is very close. But nothing has been communicated about the submissions. Because there is no information, over time the Russian side started blocking entry visas. Among those affected are people from difficult-to-reach areas in Sagaing, whose families have been waiting anxiously. Previously, there was a specific deadline for entering the workplace. If children do not arrive by that time, a Work Permit cannot be issued there. At the moment, nine applications have already been canceled, and more cancellations are expected. Within the next week, around 15 more may be affected. Deadlines have been set and letters of apology have been sent,” a person preparing to go to Russia for work told The Statesman.
Currently, in addition to submitting petitions to relevant ministries to obtain OWIC cards, they are also working to apply again for visas.
Furthermore, with elections scheduled for December 28, they expect a transparent procedure if this project is planned to resume only after a new government is formed following the election.
“For the election, they are also arranging early voting. Many people are looking forward to the election. They support it and hope that after the election, many changes will come. It can be expected that these changes will benefit everyone, which is why they are waiting. But, the procedures are concerned with two countries, we cannot focus on just one. There are still requirements in the other country as well. If they say we will be allowed to go after the election, they should be open and clear about it. If we tell the candidates to go back home to vote and come back, they will do so. But there is no clear solution. If it will be resumed only after a new government is established, they should let us know so that we can inform the other side,” he continued.