CNI News

12 April 2024

Border pass certificates will be issued to those who have held Unique Identification (UID) Number Card aka citizen verification smart card only starting from 1st May, 2024 and after the people made UID cards in their townships, if they enter a neighboring country through the border gate, it would be easier for them, philanthropic associations told CNI News.

Those who would apply for temporary border pass (TBP) and border pass (BP) would need to bring their original citizen verification cards together with their UID card and TBPs and BPs would issued to the UID card holders only starting from 1st May, 2024, stated the Department of Electronic Registration, the Ministry of Immigration and Manpower.

Although the UID cards could be applied in the townships concerned, if the UID cards were applied in the border regions, it could take longer. If the people applied for the UID in their townships, it could be easier, an official from the Beautiful Heart Philanthropic Association, told CNI News.

While seeing the Myanmar Immigration Department

" If you apply for UID in your native township, it is easier. If you apply in the border regions, it can take you longer. The number of people who enter and exit is almost a thousand on average each day. Many Myanmar people have to come back after they entered neighboring countries. Overstayers are sent back. Nearly 100 Myanmar people are sent back each day." he said.

Because TBPs and BPs will be issued to UID holders starting from 1st May, 2024, there may be an increase in the number of the people who enter and come back in April, which people review.

In the situation like that, the role of brokers would go on existing, U Min Oo, in charge of labor affairs from the Thai-based FED told CNI News.

" It will be convenient for you if you apply for the UID in your township. For example, how will you apply in Myawady where there is no government department anymore. Most of brokers will take advantage of any situation or any issue. They exploit ignorant workers or workers would be. Saying they will do on behalf of workers, they'll ask workers for money. Things like that may happen." he said.

While Myanmar people are waiting in line at the border trade gate

Moreover, UID numbers have been issued since 22nd April and passports would be issued to those who have necessary certificates only, the government stated.

At present, personal and biographical information of the people over the age of 10 are collected by an electronic system and registered after which UID cards with 10 digits are being issued.

The Electronic Registration System Department of the Ministry of Immigration and Manpower has stated that those who want to apply for the UID cards have to to bring citizen verification cards or officially issued certificates.