Travel restrictions deny Arakanese youth access to higher education

By Admin 06 Feb 2026

DMG Newsroom

6 February 2026, Mrauk-U

Many Arakanese youths are reportedly losing opportunities to pursue higher education at domestic and international universities due to comprehensive transportation blockades in Arakan State, according to local sources.

Arakan State remains under a blockade imposed by Myanmar’s military regime. In addition, the Arakan Army’s (AA) National Defence Emergency Provisions (NDEP) have led to strict travel restrictions, preventing residents, particularly young people, from leaving the region.

Local residents say the prohibition on traveling outside Arakan State for education or employment is having a severe impact on the future of the younger generation.

“It would be better if there were no restrictions on traveling abroad. Recently, there have been many scholarship opportunities for Myanmar citizens, especially for those from conflict-affected areas. But because of internet blackouts in Arakan State, many young people are not aware of these opportunities. Even those who apply and are selected face major obstacles due to travel bans,” said a 24-year-old youth from Mrauk-U. “I want the routes to be opened so they can continue their education.”

Students who have passed their matriculation examinations are currently forced to rely solely on scholarship programmes offered by international and local non-governmental organizations operating within Arakan State.

However, scholarship opportunities remain limited. Despite meeting academic requirements, many students are unable to pursue further studies and are instead compelled to work in family businesses.

The situation is further compounded by ongoing urban fighting in Arakan State, which has displaced residents and created significant challenges for the education sector.

“Youth here are talented, but educational programmes in Arakan State are limited, so many join local organizations immediately after finishing school,” said a teacher involved in an education programme in the state. “Many dream of studying abroad, but family responsibilities and the escalation of conflict have restricted travel, causing them to lose those opportunities.”

Young people in Arakan State are facing a double burden: airstrike threats disrupt local education, while transportation blockades prevent access to universities abroad.

According to residents, the Arakan Army’s NDEP policy prohibits youth from traveling to Yangon and other parts of mainland Myanmar. Travel for medical treatment is permitted only with a signed guarantee requiring the individual to return within a strictly specified timeframe.

Leaving Arakan State for medical reasons requires at least three recommendation letters and a guarantee signed by a family member who remains in the state.

In a report released in October 2025, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Myanmar warned that many young people urgently need vocational and practical skills training. The report cautioned that an entire generation is at risk of losing access to life-changing opportunities and economic independence.