Myanmar Halts Issuance of Foreign Work Permits Amidst Surge Triggered by Military Service Law

Mandatory Military service for 2 years

Image source: Mint

In February, Myanmar‘s military junta announced its intention to implement a law compelling all men to serve in the military for a minimum of two years. This decision triggered a wave of attempts by citizens to leave the country, prompting the junta to suspend the issuance of permits for men seeking employment abroad. 

This move came shortly after the introduction of the military conscription law and led to reports of long queues outside foreign embassies in Yangon as individuals sought visas, while others crossed into neighboring Thailand to evade the law. Responding to the situation, the labor ministry temporarily halted the acceptance of applications from men wishing to work abroad, citing the need for additional time to verify departure processes and address related issues. 

Estimates suggest that over 4 million Myanmar nationals were employed overseas in 2020, with many more believed to be working unofficially. Meanwhile, analysts note that a significant number of citizens engage in informal employment abroad, beyond the purview of official records. The military service law, drafted in 2010 but never previously enforced, grants the military the authority to summon men aged 18-35 and women aged 18-27 for mandatory service. Notably, during a state of emergency declared by the junta following its seizure of power in 2021, service terms can be extended up to five years, with penalties for non-compliance including imprisonment. 

Despite the law’s long-standing existence, its enforcement comes amid heightened tensions in the country. The junta announced a state of emergency upon seizing power in 2021, a measure recently extended for a further six months. In response to internal conflicts, including resistance from armed groups and ethnic minorities, the military began training several thousand recruits under the provisions of the law. A junta spokesman justified the necessity of the law, citing ongoing challenges facing the country, including clashes with armed opposition forces. 

Military Shortage and Crackdown After Coup

Image source: Committee to Protect Journalist 

The junta estimates that approximately 13 million individuals are eligible for conscription, although the military’s capacity to train recruits is limited to 50,000 per year. Since the coup in February 2021, the military’s violent crackdown on dissent has resulted in significant casualties and arrests. Reports from local monitoring groups indicate that over 4,900 individuals have been killed, and more than 26,000 others arrested in the suppression of opposition. 

The enforcement of military conscription has drawn criticism both domestically and internationally. Human rights organizations have denounced the move, citing violations of individual freedoms and escalating violence against civilians. Regional stakeholders have expressed concerns over the potential for further destabilization in Myanmar and its impact on neighboring countries. 

Economic Strain Deepens Amid Political Unrest and Pandemic

Image source: Observer Research Foundation 

The suspension of permits for overseas employment adds to the economic strain faced by many Myanmar citizens, exacerbating existing challenges stemming from political unrest and the global COVID-19 pandemic. The influx of individuals seeking refuge abroad underscores the urgency of addressing the root causes of the crisis and finding peaceful resolutions to the ongoing conflict. 

Myanmar’s Youth Struggle Amid Crackdown on Overseas Employment

Image source: UCA News

The recent crackdown on citizens seeking work abroad is being viewed as another significant setback for Myanmar. Numerous people have explored job prospects in nations such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates. A 32-year-old man, who was preparing to depart for Japan, expressed deep dismay, stating that people have lost hope for the future. He highlighted the lack of job opportunities within the country and lamented the prohibition on leaving, questioning the limitations imposed on their actions. Another individual, Ko Phyo, aged 28, from Naypyidaw, described how the military council’s directive has left the youth without any prospects for work. 

The BBC has observed a mass exodus of young Myanmar citizens since the directive was issued, with many seeking refuge in the Thai border town of Mae Sot. Most of these recent arrivals are young men evading national conscription. Since the military coup in 2021, which ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s democratically-elected government, Myanmar has been embroiled in a civil war involving various factions, resulting in thousands of casualties and the displacement of millions, according to the UN.