Pan Pan
Due to the increasing scarcity of jobs in Myanmar under the military junta, many young people are going abroad for work, including a significant number of young women.
Those who travelled legally or illegally are finding it difficult to secure employment in foreign countries too. According to Myanmar women abroad, there are fewer job opportunities in neighbouring countries for women compared to men.
An anonymous woman who went to Thailand on a 14-day visit visa and has been extending her stay for six months reported that she has been searching for a job for two months without success.
“I left in April. After the mandatory conscription was started to be implemented in February, I discussed it with my friends, and came to Bangkok. I haven’t found a job yet. Even though I am not picky, it’s hard to find a suitable job. My male friends coming with me are doing well,” she said.
“It’s easier for men to find jobs. They apply for basic jobs including elephant helpers. Some apply for factory truck driver positions. Those jobs are not suitable for me.”
“I applied for jobs at garment factories and restaurants, but most places had no job vacancy. Sometimes, they do not hire me due to my lack of proficiency in the Thai language. That is a problem. Women have a harder time finding jobs, even if they can work at whatever is available. Fortunately, I have an acquaintance in Thailand and can stay with them, which helps. It would be more difficult if I were here alone without acquaintances. Women have fewer job opportunities both here and in Myanmar.”
She came to Thailand urgently due to the military conscription, using the easiest visa exemption (14-day arrival visa), and has been extending her stay for six months in Thailand. She mentioned that it was costly to come to Thailand. Currently, women find it more challenging to secure jobs than men in Thailand.
A staff member working at an overseas employment agency in Yangon claimed that it is becoming harder to find jobs abroad due to the increasing number of people going abroad, including the most popular destination, Thailand.
“Yes, jobs can be rare. Those who go on a visa then search for a job upon arrival face more difficulties. If they apply through official employment agencies in the two countries, it might
take some time but is more reliable. It is important to have good connections with acquaintances. Without a job, it’s harder to stay long-term in another country. Though job opportunities are limited for both men and women, women face higher unemployment rates. Due to physical limitations, women find it harder to secure jobs. So, it is crucial for women to have strong connections, secure a job before going to foreign countries, and keep some money in hand.”
Similarly, Su Latt (a pseudonym), who has been working as a housemaid in Malaysia, said that women looking for jobs abroad should consider both mental and physical safety.
“I have been working as a housemaid for six years now. It is tough and women with good looks must be cautious of sexual harassment. We often had to change jobs due to issues with employers. After several years and with language proficiency, you can get better jobs. Otherwise, it is hard. Some Burmese acquaintances who came illegally have been arrested. Women who are working as maids often face violence. In a foreign country, it is hard to receive protection or file complaints.”
“Women should be extra cautious when going to foreign countries,” she added.
With increasing job scarcity and rising living costs in Myanmar, more people are going abroad for work. The rising number of Myanmar nationals leaving makes finding jobs harder, and women, in particular, find it increasingly challenging to secure employment.
