IOM to open migrant worker centres in Myanmar

The IOM is cooperating on this project with Western Union, according to IMO head Kieran Gorman Best. The centres aim to educate migrant workers before they travel overseas and to carry out vocational training for those returning home.

Nearly four million Myanmar migrant workers are now working in neighbouring Thailand. Among them, one million workers are said to be illegal and face issues such as exploitation and harassment.

The IOM is providing cash assistance of about US$ 5 million for more than 20 projects concerning migrant worker issues in Myanmar.

Starting this year, the government has put its focus on developing the basic skills of emigrant workers, on concerns of their low skills and low pay. 

On May 8, Deputy Labour Minister Htay Aung also convened a meeting in Mae Sot, Thailand, witha number of non-governmental organisations, to protect the rights of Myanmar migrant workers. He admitted that Myanmar workers in Thailand and Malaysia were entitled for certain rights including social security. 

Nine Thai districts, including Mae Sot which is the nearest to border city Myawady, have employed more than 400,000 Myanmar migrants. Some do not earn the Bt300 minimum wage. Some were forced to pay money to police, said Moe Kyoe, member of Labour Affairs Committee, Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok.

In March, Myanmar legalised the export of maids and drawn up rules to better protect its women abroad. First, Myanmar maids must receive a minimum monthly wage of S$450 (US$353.38). Second, they must get at least a day off in a month, according to Myanmar newspaper reports. Third, their recruitment fees must not exceed four months of their salary.

Besides the new rules, maids will have to attend month-long training programmes in centres in Myanmar, where they will be taught simple English and housekeeping skills, and learn about life in Singapore.

At least 10 training centres have been established since last year, of which two are run by Singapore training course provider Grace Management & Consultancy Services and its Myanmar partners. 

 

Strong winds destroy 200 houses and schools in Thanlyin

Hundreds of buildings and schools were affected by the heavy rain and strong wind that swept through Yangon on Friday. 

In Thanlyin Township alone, 200 buildings and schools were affected, according to the Thanlyin Township General Administration Office.

Strong gusts of wind from 3.30-4.00pm wreaked havoc on 25 houses in Bogyoke village, five in Alwansoot village, 40 in Nyaungthonepin village, 30 in Payarkone village, 40 in new Ayethaya quarter and 33 in Aungchantha quarter. 

Altogether 178 houses plus five schools and four governmental buildings were damaged, according to Win Naing, the deputy township administrator.

“Schools and buildings were destroyed but no fatalities from the strong winds. One person in Yonethapyae village was struck by lightning and died. The government and township officials plan to resettle the people who lost their houses,” said Win Naing. Additional reports said 70 pylons collapsed and that some houses were crushed by falling trees during the storm. A court building, a land registry building and a tin refinery building lost their roof.  

 

With 20 new additions, the 1,000 hotel mark is crossed

Twenty hotels have been granted investment licences in April, which will bring the total number of hotels in Myanmar to over 1,000. 

The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism said in March that there were a total of 960 hotels in Myanmar. The number of rooms has also increased to 37,482 with the addition of 21 new hotels.

The hotels are being constructed by local business people and will be built in regions with particular tourist attractions.

Mandalay Region leads with over 300 hotels and the construction of hotels is also soaring in Yangon and Shan State, according to the ministry.

Hotels are getting much interest from local entrepreneurs, but many are still negotiating with foreign investors, said Aung Zaw Win, director general for the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism.