By Yoon Sat - Mar 05, 2025
Due to the suspension of OWIC card issuance by the military junta, migrant workers who returned on leave from abroad are now unable to go back to their jobs, facing many difficulties, according to one affected worker.
The issuance of the Overseas Workers Identity Card (OWIC), which is crucial for working abroad, was suspended without explanation on February 14.
One worker said, "Everyone has followed the department’s regulations and procedures. But everyone was affected when they suddenly stopped issuing the card. I also returned on leave, and now I am stuck here. I can’t do anything without the OWIC card. My leave period is almost over, and this is becoming urgent. My employer said they are willing to wait for me because they don’t want to hire a replacement. But if this takes any longer, they might replace me. There will be many more problems if that happens. I feel mentally exhausted and depressed."
Many returning migrant workers are unable to leave Myanmar again due to the sudden suspension of OWIC card issuance by the Ministry of Labor under the junta. In addition, workers who have completed all required procedures as per the ministry’s regulations and were ready to go abroad are now unable to obtain their OWIC card and exit permits, causing major disruptions to their employment plans and leading to significant financial losses, according to affected individuals.
One affected worker explained, "We lost our flight tickets, and our employer hired new workers since our leave period expired. Our work permits (pass) expired. Our visas, calling letters, and certificates of employment (COE) also expired. Our demand letters were canceled. These are all losses we had to bear. Think about how we can recover from this."
On January 31, the military junta appointed U Chit Swe as Myanmar’s new ambassador to Thailand and as the new Minister of Labour. Following this, the government ordered a review of all overseas employment processes, and on February 14, OWIC card issuance was indefinitely suspended without any prior notice.
