Yangon authorities raided several construction sites and MMK5,000 shops yesterday to investigate whether the businesses’ foreigners employees were legally allowed to work in the country.
The operation was jointly orchestrated by the Yangon City Development Committee, the General Administration Department, the Myanmar Customs Department, and the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population as part of a wider effort to look into firms that might be employing illegal foreign workers.
At a recent regional parliamentary session, Zaw Aye Maung, the Yangon Minister for Rakhine Ethnic Affairs, said that he would be cracking down on illegal immigration in Yangon.
Authorities have noticed the increase in K5,000 shops around Yangon, most of which are owned and operated by Chinese nationals. There have also been worries that foreigners are operating businesses under the names of Myanmar citizens.
The recent investigations were headed by Yangon Region MP U Than Naing Oo, who represents Pabedan Constituency (1).
“It’s important to know the visa statuses of foreign employees who are working at these Vietnamese-built shopping malls, hotels, and motels in Pabedan, Sanchaung, and even on Pyay Road, and are being paid much higher salaries than our own citizens,” Than Naing Oo told Eleven.
An economist involved in drafting the National League for Democracy’s economic policy also explained, “There may be many illegal businesses such as these shops run by Chinese citizens, multi-level marketing firms, real estate and money changers. If this is the case, then first off, the government cannot collect taxes from them. Secondly, their manipulations can undermine the stability of the country’s economy in addition to our cash flow.”
Although no illegal foreign workers were found at any of the construction sites or shops, there are suspicions that they managed to evade the inspection. Additionally, the authorities are still determined to enforce stricter laws.
“Kyauktada Township’s MP will conduct the operation in his township next. After that, we will report back to Zaw Aye Maung,” Than Naing Oo confirmed.
Way to not tip off anyone, guys.
