The restriction on overseas travel for individuals who have received military conscription orders without approval from the central committee could make it more difficult for those attempting to leave Myanmar legally through airports, potentially increasing instances of paying bribes for illegal exit routes, according to young people preparing to travel abroad.

Under the military council’s 2025 Military Conscription Law, individuals who receive a conscription order cannot leave the country without central committee approval. Furthermore, those applying for military service exemptions, reductions, or deferrals must also receive committee approval before traveling abroad.
As a result, last year, many individuals who attempted to leave the country legally had to pay intermediaries, airport officials, or immigration officers up to 1 million MMK to obtain permission. This situation is expected to worsen in the coming year.
“A while ago, I went to the airport, got my plane ticket, and waited inside. The immigration officers refused to let me board, even though all my documents were in order. I had to leave. I only got through after paying 6 million MMK. Some of my friends also paid and managed to get through. This year, the situation might get even worse,” said a woman who was denied exit at the airport.
Due to these restrictions, many young people attempting to travel abroad on tourist or work visas have suffered financial losses, including flight tickets, hotel bookings, and other travel expenses.
In recent days, authorities in some townships of Mon State have been collecting copies of household registration lists and compiling data on young people aged 18 to 35, the eligible age for conscription.
As a result, young people who have dreams of working or studying abroad feel their future is being taken away, and many are experiencing growing anxiety.
“We’re still trying as hard as before. Everyone wants to achieve their dreams, but given the current challenge, I’m worried about whether I can achieve my goals. How difficult will things become because of this conscription law? Will I even be allowed to leave the country? How long will this last? These are our concerns,” said a young person preparing to study in Thailand.
Legal experts have pointed out that the new law effectively imposes a travel ban on all young people eligible for conscription.
Since the military council announced the conscription law, there have been reports of young people in Mon State being continuously arrested, with many losing contact with their families.
On January 23, the military council officially enacted the 2025 Military Conscription Law, which consists of 10 chapters, 59 sections, and 12 annexes.
The law states that all eligible individuals must serve in the military in times of national emergencies or threats to national security and defense. Additionally, those who have already completed their service may be required to serve again if necessary.