Over 860 once stuck in Yangon returned to Arakan, another 2,500 remain

By Kyaw Thu Htay 04 Dec 2020

Kyaw Thu Htay | DMG
4 December 2020, Sittwe

More than 860 people stranded in Yangon during the COVID-19 period have been transported back to Arakan State and 2,500 more are still awaiting return to their home state, according to the groups helping them.

As factories and other workplaces have been closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, many workers in the commercial capital originally hailing from Arakan State became jobless and have sought return to their home state as maintaining a livelihood becomes more difficult in Yangon.

With road and air travel restricted by public health measures, thousands were reportedly stranded in Yangon, with the Yangon Region government and Arakan civil society organisations among those pledging to help send them back to their home state.

Of those stuck in Yangon for various reasons, 288 from Arakan State were transported aboard six buses on Friday morning, according to groups giving transportation assistance. The December 4 transportation is the fourth batch of returns to clear coronavirus-related restrictions on overland travel, with 860 people so far having been sent back in buses.

There have been circumstances in which transportation has been postponed due to delays in getting permits from the government.

Monk Thabawa Nadi, who has been helping in the transportation, said they have difficulties as passengers have to be carried in buses that the Yangon Region government has permitted, with official approvals sometimes delayed.

“There are instances where transportations were late for two days due to delays in getting government approval. According to the list given to us, there are more than 3,400 people. We want to send them as quickly as possible,” said the monk.

“However, the government does not allow the number of vehicles to leave Yangon as we like. For today, we have submitted to the government eight buses. But only six buses were allowed,” he added.

Those in Yangon seeking return to Arakan State are required to present a recommendation of residence from their respective township and personal history to the Yangon Region government. They can depart only after receiving official approval.

Moreover, respective township health departments have issued directives to enter quarantine for seven days, in accordance with guidance from the Ministry of Health and Sports, once they arrive at their respective townships in Arakan State.

So far, Yangon migrant populations have been transported back to southern townships in Arakan State twice, and another two times for those in northern Arakan State, according to Arakanese civil society sources.