Myanmar junta’s sudden labour rule change leaves migrant workers stranded at Yangon airport

Mizzima

Hundreds of migrant workers faced chaos at Yangon International Airport after the military junta’s Department of Labour abruptly implemented new departure procedures effective 11 January. The overnight policy change forced numerous travellers to abandon their flights and retrieve checked luggage after being denied clearance at the final Ministry of Labour counter.

The junta’s Department of Labour issued new procedures on 11 January for migrant workers holding Overseas Workers Identity Cards (OWIC) who are planning to leave the country.

As a result of the new rules, workers scheduled to depart on 12 January were stopped at the airport and forced to turn back, according to individuals who were preparing to travel overseas.

Previously, documents required for permission to leave the country could be submitted to the Department of Labour by email. Under the new procedure, however, workers must now submit these documents in person through a post office, courier service, or licensed agent.

“Before, we sent our permits to Naypyidaw by Gmail. Now this is another rule that was issued at 9 pm last night (11 January). We have to go and apply in person. We are not told the exact date we can leave. We can only travel abroad when our name appears on the list. Then, we also have to buy our plane tickets. We will only be allowed to leave Myanmar if our names are published on the Telegram list from Naypyidaw,” said one worker who was denied departure at the airport.

Previously, only a notification letter, the Overseas Workers Identity Card (OWIC), and a valid work permit were required at the airport.

Mizzima has learned that at least five people were denied permission to leave the airport on the morning of 12 January, though the actual number may be higher.

The order also states that only those whose permits are approved and whose names appear on the official list announced via the “Safe Immigration” Telegram channel will be allowed to depart.

One worker who was stopped at the airport said, “We were leaving today and we already had our flight tickets. All the documents we had previously emailed to Naypyidaw were approved, and we had already checked in our luggage. Everything was fine. But when we reached the Ministry of Labour counter, they told us that a new order had been issued overnight and instructed us to retrieve our luggage. So we had no choice but to turn back and leave the airport.”

He added that the sudden implementation of the new rule has caused serious difficulties, especially in explaining the situation to foreign employers, which could lead to job losses.

“In reality, we should have been notified three days, or even a week, in advance. We have already spent a lot of money. Now how will employers view us? The situation is so bad that they may dismiss us,” he said.

The authorities have not stated when applicants will be allowed to depart after submitting a new permit request. Workers are required to leave only on the specific date announced on the Telegram channel. Under the new regulation, if a worker fails to depart on the designated date, they must reapply for a new departure permit.