Migrants urged to work legally to avoid pay and rights issues

An official from the Myanmar Overseas Employment Agencies Federation (MOEAF) said when asked about garment workers going illegally to China, migrant workers are advised to go abroad legally, as those who go abroad illegally work without legal permits. It is difficult for them to obtain legal rights, including wages.
“Even if you go abroad legally, sometimes there are problems. There are situations in which agencies have to intervene. So, when you go illegally, it’s worse. Do you get a full salary? Who will care for you if you get into trouble? To whom will you report? Are you a legal resident or not? A legal work permit is almost impossible if you don’t have a legal stay permit. So, it is difficult to get legal rights,” he said.
Official travel is safer, and they are advised to go legally. Agencies have already sent Myanmar workers to China by air while preparations are underway to send more.
Local garment factories have more opportunities to receive orders from abroad, but some migrant workers go abroad illegally.
“Orders are good, but if there are no people, there are difficulties. When we get more orders, we face a shortage of workers. There are difficulties. Now, there are industrial zones on the border of the other country, so they go there illegally. They can show their competence practically, so they get employed with living and meal allowances. Many of them go illegally. They don’t need a passport to work illegally,” he said. — MT/ZN/Ed