Coordination meeting: Signing of MoU between Myanmar and Russia discussed

Union Minister for Labour, U Chit Swe, attended the meeting and delivered an opening speech at a coordination meeting to discuss the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries to facilitate the deployment of Myanmar workers to Russia, as well as matters related to employer-employee agreements, was held at the meeting hall of the Ministry in Nay Pyi Taw on Monday.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Minister of Labour, U Win Shein, the Permanent Secretary, Directors-General, relevant departmental officials, representatives from the Myanmar Overseas Employment Agencies Association (MOEAA), licensed overseas employment agencies, and officials from the ARA Academy (Russian Language Proficiency Training School).

In his opening remarks, the Union Minister highlighted that migrant workers face various challenges when working abroad, including high costs, working for unethical employers leading to diverse workplace issues, insecure living conditions, forced labor, employer-employee discrimination, lack of recognition for wages commensurate with skills and qualifications, failure to receive legally mandated wages on time or in full, difficulties in renewing work and residence permits, and harsh climatic conditions in the destination countries.

The Union Minister and attendees further discussed measures to ensure that Myanmar workers sent abroad receive protection in accordance with the laws of the respective countries, workplace safety in the destination country, and wages based on specified working hours and skill levels. They addressed the need for robust employer-employee agreements, systematic remittance of family transfers from overseas, and other related matters.

The Union Minister urged licensed overseas employment agencies to approach the deployment of workers abroad as if they were their own children, to anticipate and address potential challenges thoughtfully, and to operate as reputable companies with dignity.