Mizzima
The Myanmar junta’s immigration department is only allowing Burmese citizens with a Unique Identification Number (UID) number to cross the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge No. 1 from Myawaddy to Thailand.
Previously, the junta Ministry of Immigration and Population announced that, from 1 May, Burmese citizens without a a 10 digit UID number would not be allowed to pass border checkpoints in to China, Thailand and India.
Anyone without a UID number has not been allowed to cross into Thailand since 1 May, according to Myawaddy residents.
UID numbers are issued for free by the junta Ministry of Immigration to holders of Myanmar ID cards, known as National Registration Cards (NRCs), aged 10 and over, who apply for them. They will then be issued a UID number after their personal and biographical information has been recorded.
The issuing of UID numbers is the first step in a junta plan to upgrade the paper National Registration Cards to smart ID cards. The UIDs will eventually be upgraded to smart ID cards.
It is mandatory for all Myanmar citizens to obtain a UID number, not just those who want to travel abroad. A UID number is also required for anyone who wants to apply for or renew a passport.
People in Myawaddy without UID numbers who want to cross into Thailand can apply for them at the Myawaddy Immigration Office. However, there have been long delays due to large crowds, machinery malfunctions, and electricity issues, according to Myawaddy residents.
A resident of Myawaddy, who frequently crosses into Thailand said: “Immigration officers will only issue tickets [temporary border crossing pass/green tickets] to go to Thailand if you provide them with a UID along with your National Registration Card. This requirement was not enforced until 30 April. Obtaining a UID is free of charge. However, when I attempted to obtain one at the Myawaddy Immigration Office, I was unsuccessful. They rescheduled my appointment from Thursday to Monday to Tuesday. It’s very disappointing.”
Myanmar nationals residing in Mae Sot, Thailand, who hold temporary bridge passes allowing them to cross to Thailand, are concerned as they will only be able to renew their passes with a UID number.
