Yangon International Airport is experiencing an unprecedented surge in departures, as observed by a man who arrived there on March 28. "It's unlike anything I've ever seen," he remarked, referring to the crowded departure lounge.
Previously, the airport only saw large crowds on specific days when workers were departing for overseas jobs through a few employment agencies. Now, however, the scene is a daily occurrence.
Another frequent visitor to the airport noted, "Most of these departing passengers seem to be from other regions. Even if it's just one person leaving, they're often accompanied by three or four well-wishers, making the airport appear quite crowded."
The Ministry of Labour reported that a significant number of Myanmar citizens, over 167,926, went abroad for work between April 2023 and February 2024. This translates to an average of 15,000 workers per month for the eight months leading up to February 2024, with a notable increase to around 19,000 in January and February.
These workers departed for various destinations, including Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Korea, and Turkey.
A recent arrival at Yangon International Airport on March 28 described a scene unlike any he'd witnessed before: "The airport is packed every day, not just with departing workers but also with their well-wishers. It seems everyone's heading out for work abroad."
This observation aligns with data from the Ministry of Labour, which shows a significant increase in Myanmar citizens seeking overseas employment. Over 500 licensed agencies facilitate these opportunities, with Thailand being a major destination for roughly 10,000 workers monthly.
However, Thailand has tightened border security, leading to frequent arrests of undocumented Myanmar workers. This highlights the challenges of irregular migration.
The foreign employment market also reports a shift in destinations, with Laos emerging as a new option for Myanmar workers. Previously, only those near the border sought work in Laos. Now, even Yangon residents are exploring these opportunities.
South Korea and Japan, traditionally favored destinations for overseas workers, are experiencing a surge in interest. The 16th Korean Proficiency Test (EPS-TOPIK) saw a record-breaking number of applicants, exceeding 74,000 – more than double the number in 2023.
A test taker reflected on the trend: "This year is simply unprecedented. Even last year, only over 30,000 people applied for jobs in production, construction, agriculture, and livestock breeding. Now, with over 70,000 applicants, the numbers have doubled. Passing the test is challenging, especially with the addition of the basic skills test this year. But I'm determined to succeed."
Candidates for the Korean language proficiency test faced challenges due to the overwhelming number of applicants. The online application process caused frustration, as reported by a soon-to-be test taker: "Submitting the online form was a hassle. There were issues like having to switch to phone verification and problems uploading photos or correcting entries."
The high volume of applicants also translated to long queues for exam fee payments. One individual waiting to deposit stated, "People started lining up as early as 5:00 pm on the 20th to register on March 21. By my estimate, there were roughly 300 people waiting."
An EPS test taker explained the long wait to pay fees: "People have been lining up since yesterday evening to register today. It seems they're even sleeping here overnight. Apparently, there was a software issue when submitting the exam forms, which delayed the release of payment numbers. They believe lining up early and paying early will give them a chance to get a better seat number."
Registration for the EPS exam involved paying a set examination fee based on the submission date, starting from March 19. Notably, all applicants entering the service industry were required to pay the fee on that specific date.
This year marks a significant change for the EPS program, as women are now eligible to apply for jobs in the Korean service industry.
For applicants in manufacturing, construction, and agriculture/livestock sectors, the examination fee of US$28 (payable in Myanmar currency) must be paid according to a designated date and assigned payment number.
The official date and time for the 16th Korean Language Proficiency Test (EPS-TOPIK) will be announced on April 17. The exam will be held in two windows: April 24 to May 10 and May 20 to July 26. Results are expected to be released between May 17 and August 5. Please note that these schedules may be subject to change depending on the number of applicants.
The Myanmar Ministry of Labour is facilitating the departure of over 11,000 workers to South Korea in 2024 through the Employment Permit System (EPS). This program follows a point-based selection system established in 2016 by both countries' labor ministries.
In 2023, 10,611 Myanmar workers secured positions in South Korea's agriculture, livestock, and construction sectors through the EPS. The increase in the 2024 quota reflects the growing demand for foreign labour in South Korea.
Similar to the Korean situation, the Japanese language proficiency test for overseas work saw a surge in applicants last year, prompting an expansion of testing centers.
"Higher wages are a major draw for Japan," explained a foreign employment expert. "However, the upfront costs can be significant, limiting the number of test takers to around a thousand. Despite the financial hurdle, the potential income attracts many young people."
For those unable to afford the costs associated with working in Japan, destinations like Malaysia and Thailand were previously popular alternatives. However, Malaysia's temporary suspension of foreign worker recruitment will likely decrease the number of Myanmar workers going there.
This shift in demand may lead to an increase in workers heading to other destinations. According to some foreign employment agencies, we might see a rise in the number of Myanmar workers in Thailand, Laos, and Middle Eastern countries like Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE.
