By Mudra - May 04, 2024

The fact that male workers will no longer be allowed to go abroad to work, starting at May 1, is creating more difficult situations for migrant workers. In addition to illegal migration, human trafficking may also occur, according to migrant workers activist.

Due to the political turmoil in Myanmar since 2021, the economy has declined, and the number of people going abroad to work those who are trying has increased exponentially.

Activists say that banning male workers from going abroad at this time can lead them to go illegally which have to deal with the number of fraudulent brokers and be trafficked.

“The migrant workers are earning foreign income for the country at this economic crisis. Restricting them to go abroad can cause the economic worse and the youths become hope and futureless,” said a migrant worker activist.

According to the May 1 announcement of the temporary suspension of work permits for men, people who have already received permission to go abroad for work are void but it is restricted for those who are trying to.

The temporary suspension of overseas work permits includes all countries that agencies officially sending workers, but those under the EPS system to go to South Korea via the government's overseas employment agency, POEAS is void from the restriction as well.