Issuance of TBPs to Muse-Ruili crossing resumes after two and a half years of closure
The entry and exit of borders and commercial trade borders in Muse, Shan State (North), have been temporarily closed since the end of March 2021 due to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. On the afternoon of 4 September, temporary border passes (TBPs) valid for seven days of residence permits in both countries were issued to people from all regions of Myanmar, and access to borders with those cards has been restored.
Since the outbreak and spread of the COVID-19 virus have been effectively prevented and controlled at the Nantaw, Mang Wein, and Sinphyu border checkpoints in early 2023, only those who hold a household list of Muse and Namkham were allowed to pass the borders with a border pass (BP). All Myanmar nationals with the correct citizenship scrutiny cards (e-ID) can make the TBPs with a document service fee of K1,000 at the Ministry of Immigration and Population at the border checkpoints to access the borders.
“Anyone in Myanmar can apply for a temporary border pass if they can show their citizenship scrutiny cards (e-ID) in person. They are only allowed to visit Ruili in China. Cards are being made because China has eased the restrictions on the virus. People from all over the country, including Muse District, can get a card if they have e-IDs. However, they are not allowed to work there,” said Ko Htay, in-charge of the Muse-based humanitarian aid network.
Along with Deputy Director U Ye Yint Tun of the Ministry of Immigration and Population in Muse District, Deputy Head of Branch of Muse Border Assistant Director U Ngwe Moe, and Head of Muse Township Department U Sann Lwin observed the issuing process of TBPs at borders. — IPRD(Muse) & mmn/CT
