Labour Migration from Myanmar to GCC countries

As political instability, forced conscription, and economic hardship escalate in Myanmar, more workers are turning to labour mobility as a survival strategy. Yet rising recruitment costs and limited legal pathways expose them to greater risks of exploitation before departure and in destination countries. The briefing offers an analysis of recent policy shifts, recruitment challenges, and emerging business responsibilities for companies operating in the GCC countries.

SUMMARY

• Political instability, economic hardship, forced conscription, and natural disasters in Myanmar are pushing more people to seek work abroad. Workers rely on either formal recruitment through MoUs, often slow and costly, or irregular channels like visitor visas, which expose them to safety risks.
  
  

• Recent measures from Myanmar authorities include mandatory remittance quotas, a 2% foreign income tax, stricter passport rules, and travel bans for men aged 18–35, making labour mobility difficult.

• Recruitment agencies face rising administrative burdens, unclear government guidance, and new responsibilities linked to workers’ military obligations.
  
  

• In this context, women are more likely to take high-risk, low-paid jobs, especially in domestic work, where protections are limited.
  
  

• While GCC countries have introduced new worker protection schemes, Myanmar workers often face language barriers, administrative hurdles, and limited access.
  
  

• Companies operating in the GCC should address risks specific to Myanmar migrant workers by implementing responsible recruitment practices.