Ministry of Home Affairs clarifies travel rules for PV passport holders

Ministry of Home Affairs clarifies travel rules for PV passport holders
Published 29 August 2024

The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that holders of PV passports will be granted permission for travel abroad under certain conditions, including social visits and medical treatment.

Recently, some PV passport holders have faced difficulties at the airport, despite having all required documents. In response to inquiries about these issues, the Ministry clarified that first-time travelers with PV passports who have a sponsor will not be automatically denied exit. Instead, permission is being granted for trips related to social reasons or medical needs.

For those intending to work abroad, the Ministry advises applying for a Passport for Job (PJ) type, which facilitates obtaining labor rights in foreign countries. Additionally, an Overseas Worker Identification Card (OWIC) should be obtained from the Ministry of Labor to ensure legal employment abroad.

At Yangon International Airport, a joint team comprising the Ministry of Labor, Special Bureau for Investigation, Anti-Human Trafficking Police, and Aviation Police is responsible for verifying travelers with PV passports. These travelers must present return flight tickets and proof of sufficient funds for their stay.

The Ministry also emphasized that  individuals seeking employment abroad should secure PJ passports and register for an OWIC with the Ministry of Labor to address any potential issues during their overseas employment.

According to Article 8 of the Foreign Employment Law of 1999, the supervisory board is tasked with preventing unregistered overseas employment. This includes coordinating with relevant organizations and ensuring that foreign job seekers are properly registered with the Department before departure, as outlined in Sections 9 and 10 of the law.