Following Min Aung Hlaing’s remarks on the surge in foreign travel and currency spending, the military council has begun talks to vet all international trips before approval, according to a Naypyidaw military source cited by Khit Thit News.

During a military council meeting held in Naypyidaw on May 20, Min Aung Hlaing commented that the various reasons for people leaving the country are causing an increase in foreign currency use, contributing to a rise in exchange rates. In response, the military council has started discussing ways to scrutinize and regulate such international departures.

According to the source, "They’re now discussing how to re-check all reasons for going abroad—pilgrimage, religious affairs, travel, medical treatment, education, business, or employment—and allow only those who truly need to go. But it’s still unclear what the final process will look like or how exactly the screenings will happen. It may involve coordination among several ministries. The push to begin this screening came after the commander-in-chief's comments."

Min Aung Hlaing further stated that Myanmar imports around USD 5 billion worth of fuel annually and that although electric vehicles (EVs) are being allowed in to reduce fuel consumption, foreign currency demand remains high. While the country sees a trade surplus, the rising demand for other types of spending is driving up foreign exchange rates. He cited the surge in people leaving the country and spending foreign currency abroad as a key issue.

Currently, the military council has already blocked men aged 18 to 35, who fall under potential military conscription, from going abroad for work. At airports, joint inspection teams—comprising officials from immigration, police, and military intelligence—are checking those attempting to leave the country. Many are reportedly being turned back at the airport without being allowed to board, unless they pay bribes of at least 6 million kyats to the inspection teams to gain permission to travel.

An employment agency owner based in Yangon said, “For overseas jobs, people can only leave with permission from the Ministry of Labor. Even if someone has all the documents—job offer letter, OWIC card, plane ticket, and visa—they still can’t board a flight without that ministry’s approval. This screening system has been in place for almost two months. Judging by the current trend, it looks like anyone going abroad for tourism, medical treatment, education, business, or pilgrimage might also be denied unless they have explicit permission.”

The junta has also formed a Foreign Currency Control Committee, led by Myo Tun Oo, which is now overseeing and controlling all uses of foreign currency in the country.

BOB Post