Stranded Myanmar migrant workers granted one-day departure window before strict new OWIC rules take effect

Mizzima

In a brief reprieve following widespread chaos at Yangon International Airport, holders of the Overseas Worker Identification Card (OWIC) who were barred from leaving Myanmar on 12 January were permitted to depart on 13 January.

Ministry of Labour officials reportedly contacted the stranded travellers by phone, granting them a final 24-hour window to secure new flight tickets and exit the country under the previous regulations.

The temporary suspension occurred after the military junta’s Department of Labour issued a sudden directive at 9 pm on 11 January, immediately invalidating the existing email-based application process. More than 70 workers were reportedly forced to retrieve their checked luggage and return home on Monday, facing significant financial losses and the risk of losing their employment abroad.

One worker who managed to secure a last-minute departure described the high cost of the delay said, “Those of us who were unable to depart yesterday and had to return from the airport were informed over the phone to board any flight that was available today. They said they would give us a window of one day. I had to hurry to get a ticket today since they will resume using the new format they issued after that. I had to pay 1.65 million Kyats (US$785) for a new round-trip ticket today, even though I had already purchased one from the other side. The challenges with food and lodging in Yangon are beyond words, including car rental fees and the fact that I’ve travelled from the countryside.”

Beginning 14 January, the Department of Labour will strictly enforce its new procedures. The previous system, which allowed for document submission via email, has been replaced with a requirement for in-person submissions through postal mail, express couriers, or authorized agents.

Furthermore, workers are now prohibited from departing until their specific names are approved and published on the “Safe Immigration” Telegram channel.

The Ministry of Labour defended the move, claiming it had issued public notices since last year regarding a five-day advance application requirement. However, workers argue that the sudden enforcement and shift in submission methods have caused undue hardship.

Under the new regulations, if a worker fails to depart on the exact date listed on the official Telegram announcement, they must restart the entire application process.