CNI News

2 November 2024

An MoU regarding labor affairs was signed by Myanmar and Laos a few days ago and those who carry out labor affairs and businessmen are considering if Myanmar had been poverty-stricken that it had to send its workers to even Laos.

Although Myanmar and Laos were developing countries in Southeast Asia, people can say that Myanmar had been so poverty-stricken that it has to send its workers to even Laos, U Min Oo, in charge of labor affairs from the Foundation for Education and Development (FED) told CNI News.

Although not every worker could enjoy 100 percent of their benefits in Thailand, many workers were enjoying full benefits of theirs. However, Laos had not reached the level of Thailand; Laos still was lower than other neighboring countries, he added.

While seeing workers

" It can't be convenient for Myanmar workers who have reached Laos. For example, during the Covid-19 pandemic, Myanmar workers in Laos asked for help. Laos was not able to do anything for them. Myanmar workers can be sent to Laos. But we have to consider it is because our country is so poor. To tell you frankly, there is a demand for labor in Thailand. At least, basic salary is designated. There are also social security and other rights. It's not certain that there are these things in Laos. It's hard to get basic information in Laos. So, why are the workers sent to Laos? It's beyond me." said U Min Oo to CNI News.

In comparison with most of its neighboring countries, basic salary of Laos is lower, but in comparison with Myanmar, basic salary of Laos is much higher, pointed out those carrying out for labor issues and businessmen.

According to the current situation, because it was hard to find jobs within the country, Myanmar citizens wanted to do the jobs that were available and they would go there to work, they made comments.

While seeing Lao Ambassador to Myanmar and Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the SAC

" There's one thing I can say, in Southeast Asia, there were four developing countries - Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Myanmar. Vietnam has developed for long. Cambodia also has developed to an extent since 2020. Laos has been selling its electricity as well. In fact, it's landlocked If you compare the basic salary of Laos with that of Myanmar, you know whether Myanmar is poorer or not." said U Aung Pyae Sone, a businessman.

There has been an increase in the number of Myanmar citizens who go to Laos illegally and some are facing a variety of troubles. To catch up with higher living cost, the basic salary of Laos was raised from 66 to 82 dollars.