Myanmar’s military junta has imposed severe restrictions on passport issuance and usage, effectively limiting the freedom of its citizens to travel. This tightening of controls, aimed at maintaining control amidst the ongoing political crisis, has impacted countless individuals hoping to travel for work, study, or personal reasons.
In late August, Ma Hnin Hnin, a 34-year-old woman preparing to travel to Thailand, faced a grueling 15-minute interrogation at Yangon International Airport. Despite her extensive travel history, airport officials subjected her to a barrage of questions regarding her travel plans, including her destination, the purpose of her trip, and her financial status. This intrusive experience, which felt both unsettling and disrespectful, highlighted the increasing scrutiny faced by travelers.
Myanmar’s passport system, which previously included nine distinct categories tailored to different travel needs, has become a tool of control for the junta. The military has established a task force to meticulously scrutinize passports and monitor travelers at airports, reflecting their concern about potential dissent or defection.
On August 14th, the junta announced a ban on the use of Visit Passports (PV) for international travel, effectively preventing many individuals from leaving the country. Additionally, young men aged 23-32 holding Job Passports (PJ) have been prohibited from seeking employment abroad, further restricting their freedom of movement.
These restrictions are part of the junta’s broader strategy to curtail the movement of citizens, especially those of working age, in an effort to maintain control over the workforce and prevent any potential brain drain.
The heightened scrutiny and travel bans have caused anxiety and uncertainty among those hoping to travel abroad. Ko Kaung Khant, a 23-year-old planning a religious pilgrimage to India, now fears his trip may not be possible due to the restrictions.
In February, the junta implemented a new law mandating military service for men aged 18-35 and women aged 18-27, requiring them to serve for three to five years. This move, seen as an attempt to bolster the military’s ranks weakened by losses in the ongoing conflict, has further increased the pressure on the population.
Ko Myo Kyaw, a 41-year-old seafarer, experienced these restrictions firsthand during his recent trip to Bangkok. He was required to secure special written permission from the Department of Marine Administration before being allowed to travel, highlighting the increasing control the junta exercises over citizens’ movements.
The crackdown on travel has also impacted those returning to Myanmar. Upon arrival, individuals face intense questioning and scrutiny, reflecting the junta’s efforts to monitor and control its citizens.
Since the military seized control of Myanmar in February 2021, a wave of anti-coup protests erupted, uniting people from all walks of life in their resistance against the junta. In retaliation, the junta revoked the passports of thousands of protesters, effectively banning them from traveling both within and outside Myanmar.
Ma Khain Wai Oo, a 33-year-old former government worker who joined the civil disobedience movement, is now living illegally in Thailand, fearing persecution if she returns home. Her situation highlights the plight of many who have risked their lives and livelihoods to oppose the military’s rule.
Sources at Yangon International Airport report that a significant number of travelers, predominantly young people, are being denied departure daily. These individuals, seeking to travel for study, work, or tourism, are often turned away before boarding their flights, further illustrating the junta’s iron grip on the country’s citizens.
