Workers Traveling Abroad with Labor Cards Will Only Be Allowed to Depart with SAC Approval

Pajau media

January 15, 2026

Myanmar’s military regime has imposed further restrictions, announcing that individuals holding Overseas Worker Identification Cards (OWIC) who plan to work abroad will only be permitted to depart if they obtain approval from the State Administration Council (SAC).

The restriction was announced on January 11 via the Ministry of Labour’s website. Beginning the following day, January 12, migrant workers who planned to travel overseas were denied permission to depart and were sent back from the airport.

Previously, those intending to work abroad were allowed to travel after emailing their OWIC details to the Department of Labour. However, under the new regulation, overseas travel is only permitted with explicit approval from the Department of Labour, creating difficulties for many workers planning to seek employment abroad.

The SAC also stated that the names of those granted permission to travel abroad will be announced through the Safe Migration Telegram channel. Approved travelers must depart strictly on the designated date. If they fail to travel on the approved date for any reason, they will be required to restart the entire application process from the beginning.

News: Hpring