Myanmar Junta Halts Overseas Work Permits for Men
Myanmar’s military junta has recently put a stop to the issuance of permits for men to work overseas. This decision comes shortly after the introduction of a military conscription law that has prompted thousands of individuals to seek ways to leave the country.
Reason Behind the Decision
The junta, facing challenges in suppressing widespread armed opposition to its rule, announced its intention to enforce a law that mandates all men to serve in the military for a minimum of two years. This move has led to long queues outside foreign embassies in Yangon as people scramble to secure visas, while others have opted to cross into neighboring Thailand to avoid the new law.
Labor Ministry’s Response
The labor ministry has announced a “temporary suspension” on accepting applications from men seeking to work abroad. According to a statement released by the junta’s information team, this measure is necessary to allow for additional time to verify departure processes and address other related issues.
Impact on Myanmar Nationals Working Abroad
Estimates from the International Labor Organization suggest that over 4 million Myanmar nationals were employed overseas in 2020, with many more believed to be working unofficially. The military service law, originally drafted in 2010 but never enforced until now, mandates the conscription of men aged 18-35 and women aged 18-27 for a minimum of two years.
Challenges and Consequences
The law also includes provisions for extending service periods up to five years during a state of emergency, with penalties for those failing to comply with summons. The junta declared a state of emergency upon seizing power in 2021, a situation that has since been extended for an additional six months.
A spokesperson for the junta cited the need for the law in response to ongoing challenges within the country, including conflicts with armed groups and the People’s Defense Forces. While an estimated 13 million individuals are eligible for conscription, the military’s capacity allows for the training of only 50,000 recruits annually.
Human Rights Concerns
Since the military coup in February 2021, over 4,900 people have lost their lives in the junta’s crackdown on dissent, with more than 26,000 individuals arrested, as reported by a local monitoring group.
