Mon State Workforce seek work abroad due to national political and economic crisis

November 1, 2022

HURFOM: The ongoing political crisis in Burma has created less economic opportunities and parts of the Mon State labor force, especially restaurant owners and rubber plantation workers are seeking better job opportunities out of country.

“In previous years, Mon State has many festivals after the end of the rainy season. Restaurants have many customers. But everything is different this year. There are no tourists. Restaurants have no customers. We’re unable to earn our livelihood this year,” said a restaurant owner from Mudon Township.

Other small and medium sized business owners have had to close due to frequent and prolonged power cuts and high prices and shortage of raw materials.

“Previously, businesses were running well. As the dry winter season started, we received many orders. But we have no work this year. No one has placed an order. We can’t do business. I’m thinking of going to Malaysia for work. I’ve been extending my passport validity,” said a welding shop owner from Mawlamyine.

Due to the political and economic crisis, many Burmese workers have fled to Thailand in search of better work opportunities. On October 23, 2022, the Thai Police announced they had arrested 45 Burmese migrant workers who crossed the border without proper documentation.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News