Over 181,000 Workers Issued OWIC Cards for Overseas Employment by November 2024

By Hanthar Hein - Dec 20, 2024

As of November 2024, over 181,000 workers have been issued Overseas Worker Identification Cards (OWIC) for legal overseas employment, according to the Ministry of Labour.

In 2023, 210,688 workers were issued OWIC cards for legal overseas employment, and by the end of November 2024, the number had reached 181,189, according to reports.

The OWIC cards can be applied for through licensed overseas employment agencies or via self-arrangement, according to the ministry.

Highly skilled professionals and workers returning from overseas employment are not required to attend the Pre-Departure Orientation Training (PDOT) and can apply directly for OWIC cards at the Department of Labour under the Ministry of Labour.

However, basic workers and those traveling through licensed agencies are required to attend the Pre-Departure Orientation Training. Applications for OWIC cards for these workers must be made through their respective licensed agencies, according to officials.

"The Pre-Departure Orientation Training provides information on the culture, customs, and local labor laws of the destination country. It also teaches workers how to contact support services in case of emergencies. Skilled professionals and highly educated workers often have prior experience or knowledge, but basic workers or those traveling independently do not have that knowledge. Therefore, they are required to connect with a licensed overseas employment agency responsible for their placement before being eligible to apply for and receive an OWIC card," said an official from the Ministry of Labour.

Since the military coup, there has been a significant increase in undocumented migration to neighboring countries such as China and Thailand, resulting in arrests, penalties, and deportations.

Currently, applications for OWIC cards via agency arrangements are processed at the Department of Labour's Migrant Worker Affairs Division office in Phaung Laung Hall in North Dagon. Skilled and professional workers, as well as those returning from overseas, can apply for OWIC cards at 8-Mile office, Mayangon Township, according to reports.