A total of 153 Myanmar migrant workers arrived back in Muse on the evening of 1 February due to the mounting fears of Wuhan coronavirus in China.

The returnees went home asking for the help from Myanmar Counsel Office in China. 

A worker said: “Normally, the trip to Ruili-Kyalkhaung takes about one hour. Chinese authorities have restricted travels from region to region. We arrived at Myanmar border gate at 10 pm.”

Normally, Nandaw China-Myanmar border checkpoint is closed at 8.30 pm.

U Thaung Tun from Muse Philanthropic Organization said: “They returned to Myanmar due to the virus fears. Chinese employers are unable to return to their factories and plantations as they go home during the Chinese New Year. That’s why, workers face a shortage of food. Some workers got salaries while other did not get their salaries. Employers deduct an advance payment of 1,000 Chinese Yuan as the workers go home before the completion of work.”

Myanmar migrants are from Lashio, Taunggyi, Kantbalu, Monywa and Butalin Townships. More workers are planning to go home. 

On 29 January, 116 Myanmar workers from Monywa, Kanbalu, Taungdwingyi and Kyaukpadung Townships went home from Ruli of China

Likewise, Myanmar workers from sugarcane plantations in China are reentering Myanmar via Yanlongyaine and Chinshwehaw border checkpoints. 

Health staff in Myanmar are carrying out thermal screening on the returnees at the border checkpoints.