By Hanthar Hein - Feb 19, 2025
The Ministry of Labour has temporarily suspended overseas labour deployment since last week, and there is still no confirmed date for its resumption. This has caused growing concern among workers who have already signed contracts and licensed agencies facilitating overseas employment.
The government restricted men aged 18 to 35 from working abroad in late January without prior notice. Then, on February 14, labour deployment to Thailand was temporarily halted.
Furthermore, the issuance of the Overseas Worker Identification Card (OWIC), a crucial document for legal overseas employment, was also suspended on February 18, according to licensed agencies.
“The OWIC registration center in North Dagon suddenly stopped processing worker registrations and sent everyone home while agency representatives were in a meeting with the Minister of Labour yesterday. They didn’t say when it would resume. They only mentioned that deployment would resume but gave no specific timeline, saying there were policy changes during the meeting. We don’t know what those changes are or how long we have to wait. Meanwhile, many workers have already signed contracts for different countries. Agencies may have to compensate them if new policies prevent some from leaving, which is why we are all worried,” said an official from a licensed overseas employment agency.
As agencies worry about financial risks, workers who have already signed contracts and made preparations are also concerned about potential losses.
“I already signed my contract and paid the agency. Now they’ve stopped deployment, and we don’t know when it will resume. My life will be ruined If I can’t leave and work abroad because I took money with interest to cover my expenses. I would be able to repay my debts once I start working abroad. I will still lose the money I spent on medical tests, travel, and other expenses even if the agency refunds my deposit. I just hope they reopen the process as soon as possible,” said a worker who had signed a contract for overseas employment.
The government has imposed stricter restrictions on overseas labour migration since the appointment of U Chit Swe as the new Minister of Labour, Additionally, men aged 18 to 35 who return from overseas on leave are now prohibited from going back to their jobs, further tightening control over worker mobility.
