Myanmar’s Military Bans Men from Traveling Abroad for Work
In a bold move, Myanmar’s military government has announced a ban on conscription-age men from leaving the country for work, further tightening its grip on the population.
After facing backlash over an enlistment order that triggered a mass exodus, authorities revealed on Thursday that they would no longer accept applications from men seeking overseas work permits.
The decision marks a significant shift in policy, as Myanmar has long been home to a large diaspora of citizens who travel to other Asian countries for employment opportunities.
However, the recent crackdown comes amidst escalating opposition to the ruling junta in the country’s ongoing civil war.
Following months of losses, the military had imposed the conscription order in February, prompting nearly 100,000 men to apply for work permits in a desperate attempt to escape the turmoil.
Young people, facing mandatory enlistment for men aged 18 to 35 and women aged 18 to 27, have expressed their frustration and hopelessness at being trapped within the country.
For many in Myanmar, working abroad had been a lifeline, with countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates serving as popular destinations.
However, the recent ban on overseas employment has dashed the dreams of many, leaving them with few options for a better future.
As the country’s youth grapple with a bleak job market and limited opportunities, the military’s directive has left them feeling trapped and disillusioned.
The BBC has witnessed a surge in young Myanmar people fleeing the country since the February enlistment order, with many seeking refuge in neighboring countries like Thailand.
Most of these individuals are young men seeking to avoid conscription and the brutal realities of the civil war that has engulfed the nation since the military coup in 2021.
With thousands dead and millions displaced, Myanmar finds itself embroiled in a devastating conflict that shows no signs of abating. The junta’s latest move to restrict overseas work opportunities only adds to the country’s mounting challenges. — BBC
