The military’s Ministry of Labor announced on March 10th that the Overseas Worker Identification Card (OWIC), which had been temporarily suspended, will resume on March 20th.
Since the second week of February, OWIC card issuance has been halted without any explanation. This action prevented workers from traveling abroad for employment and caused financial losses for workers and job agencies.
According to the announcement, the temporary suspension was due to “administrative adjustments”, including reviewing applications, software updates, center consolidation, and centralizing employer-employee contract agreements.
Starting March 20th, new OWIC cards will be issued to those with official job offers abroad and workers traveling under their own arrangements after verification, reported the Ministry of Labor.
Although the OWIC card is essential for overseas employment, a Mon youth working abroad warned that it could be used by the military council to collect data for military conscription and elections.
“It’s hard to predict what is behind the junta’s policies, but one thing is clear: they are strengthening military conscription records, making it easier to track and recall workers, and keeping full control over them. This could also be linked to their election and advance voting plans. Those aged 18 to 35 should be especially cautious,” the youth said.
Additionally, the Ministry of Labor report requires workers to obtain their OWIC card before purchasing flight tickets. Compliance with the new rules is indispensable for those seeking employment abroad.
Workers must first obtain permission from the Ministry before leaving the country, and applications can only be submitted online—no in-person visits are allowed.
Required documents include a copy of the passport (photo and visa pages), the front and back copies of the OWIC card, and a valid work permit and employer authorization letter for returning workers. According to the official notice, applications must be submitted at least five days in advance, excluding holidays.
