Four Muslims charged under immigration law for attempting to leave Arakan State

12 Mar 2022

DMG Newsroom
12 March 2022, Ann 

Police have opened a case under immigration law against four Muslims detained at a checkpoint in Arakan State’s Ann Township on Friday. 

The four said that they had paid a Sittwe-based agent to take them to Yangon, where they planned to seek work or attempt to continue onward to Malaysia, according to the township police.

 The two men and two women, all in their 20s, were hiding in the trunk of a passenger bus heading to Yangon, said Police Captain Myo Kyi of the Ann Township police station. 

“They said they were going to Yangon to find a job because they can find no job in Arakan State. We have opened a case against them under Section 6 (2) and (3) of the Immigration Act,” said Police Captain Myo Kyi.

 If convicted, the four face a maximum of four years in prison. 

Muslims illegally travelling to Yangon from Arakan State are often found at the checkpoint in Ann, said Police Captain Myo Kyi.  

Police have also filed a complaint against the driver and conductor of the bus under Section 367 of the Penal Code, which covers kidnapping and abduction potentially leading to grievous harm and/or enslavement. If convicted, the duo face up to 10 years in prison. 

Most Muslims in Arakan State are denied freedom of movement. Because of travel restrictions imposed by successive governments, they cannot travel freely within or outside of Arakan State.

 One Muslim said: “We can’t have livelihoods in Arakan State. But when we try to find a job elsewhere, we are arrested. We are having difficulties either way.” 

Last week, the junta-controlled Ministry of Immigration and Population introduced new travel restrictions for all Myanmar citizens, making national registration cards (NRCs) necessary for travel, and to stay anywhere other than one’s own home. 

Limited job opportunities in Arakan State have led many locals to seek employment in foreign countries.