With local economic prospects dim, overseas jobs continue to draw Arakan workers

By DMG 13 Dec 2022

DMG Newsroom
13 December 2022, Sittwe

Local residents continue to leave Arakan State for foreign countries to work amid continuing instability and high unemployment in the region.

“They are leaving Arakan State mainly because there are no secure livelihoods, or job prospects or decent salaries that can guarantee a decent living,” said a labour rights activist and chairman of Yangon-based Rakhine National Network, U Tin Htoo Aung.

Local people feel unsafe because of Myanmar military arrests of civilians over alleged ties to the Arakan Army and fatal artillery strikes, which are among factors prompting local residents to leave Arakan State, according to labour rights activists.

Rising costs of living also play a part, said a female aspiring migrant worker from Rathedaung Township.

“I can’t find a job here, so I can’t support my family. So, I have decided to go and work in Malaysia,” said the resident of Pauktaw Pyin Village in Rathedaung.

Large numbers of locals from Arakan State previously worked in factories and workshops in Yangon. But many were made redundant when businesses closed or reduced their workforces amid Myanmar’s post-coup political turmoil and economic downturn.

Some sell their possessions and/or borrow money to pay costs, such as agent fees and flight tickets, to work overseas.

“Some have pawned their houses and farmlands. It cost around K700,000 to apply for the passport. And they will have their three months’ salaries deducted when they arrive in Malaysia,” said a staffer who works at a licensed overseas employment agency.

More than 30,000 people left Arakan State for overseas jobs through official channels this year, according to labour rights organisations.

Fewer people will leave Arakan State if micro, small and medium enterprises develop in the state, said prominent businessman U Khin Maung Gyi.

“As few jobs are created in Arakan, many are leaving for Malaysia and Thailand to work. This is a loss for the country and Arakan State,” he said.

Malaysia, Thailand and China are the major destinations of migrant workers from Arakan State. Many of them illegally cross the border; despite potential arrest and other risks, poverty continues to drive people from Arakan State to seek better opportunities abroad.