Myanmar suspends foreign work permits as thousands try to flee after enlistment order

Myanmar's military government has halted the issuing of permits for men to work abroad amid the ongoing civil war. The decision came weeks after the junta released an order mandating enlistment of youth which prompted many to try to leave the country.

Myanmar's authorities on Thursday (May 3) announced that they are suspending all the applications from men for overseas work permits. 

The labour ministry announced that it has suspended the acceptance of applications from men seeking employment overseas temporarily in a statement released by the junta's information team late Thursday.

This decision was deemed necessary to "take more time to verify departure processes and according to other issues," the statement read as reported by AFP.

The junta implemented the conscription order in February, following which approximately 100,000 men requested work permits. According to media accounts, the order caused thousands of people to line up for visas outside foreign embassies in Yangon, while some crossed into neighbouring Thailand to avoid enlistment. 

Also read: Britain sanctions 2 Israeli groups, 4 individuals for violence in West Bank

Men between the ages of 18 and 35 and women between the ages of 18 and 27 are required to serve a minimum of two years in the military.

The recent crackdown on overseas employment is viewed as another major blow by Myanmar's military government. Numerous individuals in Myanmar have sought employment opportunities in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates.

Many Myanmar nationals are currently employed in various Asian countries. Previously, locals were permitted to seek employment abroad. 

Following the 2021 coup by the military, which ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's democratically-elected government, the junta has been facing resistance from various factions, leading to a civil war that has resulted in the loss of thousands of lives and the displacement of a minimum of 2.6 million individuals, as reported by the UN.