The Myanmar junta is exerting pressure on overseas employment agencies, threatening action if their workers fail to remit 25% of their income back to their families in Myanmar. Agencies face the risk of shutdown if they cannot provide documentation proving these remittances.
Several foreign employment service operators report that only records of transfers through junta-specified channels are accepted. The Ministry of Labour under the military regime demands these records for verification.
“The pressure is intense; if we can’t ensure the remittance to the ministry, we may face suspension,” said an anonymous representative from a foreign employment agency.
The junta’s Ministry of Labour has recorded the number of workers sent abroad and is verifying whether funds have been sent to their families. At a meeting with the Myanmar Overseas Employment Agency Association (MOEAA) on 6 July at the Melia Hotel in Yangon, Labour Minister Myint Naung emphasized that workers must generate income for the state and show dedication and responsibility.
The junta’s propaganda channel, Myanma Radio and Television (MRTV), quoted the minister stating that a 2% tax is deducted from the 25% salary remittance, and agencies must ensure strict compliance.
An official from an overseas employment service agency explained that while agencies cannot force workers to send money, they must convey the junta’s requirements and report those who comply.
“We can’t force workers to remit money to their families, only explain the situation and report back. If we fail to do so, we face punishment,” the official said. Agencies must submit final remittance accounts by 27 July. A worker in Japan reported being asked to provide documentation if they had sent remittances.
“They didn’t force me to remit money, but asked for proof if I had done so. Before leaving Japan, we signed an agreement with the agency to transfer 25% through designated channels,” the worker said.
A worker in Korea mentioned that some people transfer money cautiously through official banks connected to Myanmar, though this practice is rare.
“Only a few transfer their basic salary after careful calculation,” the worker said.
The junta’s Ministry of Labour reiterated its demands at the 11th annual MOEAA meeting on 7 July, urging agencies to convince workers abroad to remit 25% of their income to their families through designated banks.
