Around 20 young people from Yangon, Upper Myanmar, and Mon State, who were supposed to work in Japan, have been stranded in Thailand for more than five months, according to their families.
These youths had applied to a job placement agency in March, seeking to work abroad to avoid conscription under the junta’s military service laws and to secure employment opportunities. The agency had initially promised a swift transfer to Japan and temporarily sent them to Thailand. However, they remain stuck there, waiting indefinitely.
Despite waiting for over five months, the agency has yet to confirm a departure date to Japan or refund the money that was paid by the youths. Desperate to leave, they had already paid all the fees requested by the agency, but no formal contracts were signed.
Currently, while they are provided with accommodation in Thailand, they must cover their own expenses for rent and food.
This year has seen an increase in the number of people seeking work abroad, leading to a rise in illegal agencies. Many workers connected to these agencies face significant difficulties, including financial scams and hardships.
Illegal agencies are sending workers abroad without accountability, often using the names and details of legitimate agencies to commit fraud. The military junta has not taken any action against these practices.
