The Appeal and Current Situation in Myanmar
Myanmar, often referred to as the 'Last Frontier' of Asia, has been attracting a lot of attention as a target for hiring specified skilled workers. Despite its vast landmass, being 1.8 times the size of Japan, and a population of 50 million, its GDP is only 7.12 billion dollars. This is still relatively low when compared to the Philippines with 330.9 billion dollars or Vietnam with 245.2 billion dollars. Myanmar is also known for its lower wage levels. The starting monthly salary for new graduates or those with a few years of experience ranges from approximately 200,000 to 250,000 Myanmar Kyats (around 133 dollars, with an exchange rate of approximately 1,505 Kyats per dollar). Disparities are also observed between the capital city, Yangon, and other provincial cities. As a result, working in Japan is considered an opportunity to obtain higher-paying jobs.
Myanmar has faced challenges in terms of infrastructure and political stability in the past, but there have been gradual improvements in recent years, which are being acknowledged for their long-term potential. On the other hand, it is also a fact that Myanmar's domestic situation is not entirely stable, with issues such as the 'Rohingya' refugee crisis at the forefront.
In this context, the 'Specified Skilled Worker' residence status was introduced in April 2019. There is a demand for Myanmar nationals to work in the stable environment of Japan, and it is believed to be a good match for the 'Specified Skilled Worker' program. The details will be discussed later, but it is particularly said to be a good fit for healthcare professionals.
In recent years, a bilateral agreement called the 'Memorandum of Cooperation for the Proper Operation of the System Pertaining to Foreigners with Specified Skills' (referred to as MOC) has been signed between Japan and Myanmar. This has led to an increase in employment under the new 'Specified Skilled Worker' residence status, and the hiring requirements for these skilled workers have become more accessible. As a hiring route for specified skilled workers, Myanmar is gaining attention alongside countries like Nepal, Indonesia, and Cambodia.
Myanmar has faced challenges in terms of infrastructure and political stability in the past, but there have been gradual improvements in recent years, which are being acknowledged for their long-term potential. On the other hand, it is also a fact that Myanmar's domestic situation is not entirely stable, with issues such as the 'Rohingya' refugee crisis at the forefront.
In this context, the 'Specified Skilled Worker' residence status was introduced in April 2019. There is a demand for Myanmar nationals to work in the stable environment of Japan, and it is believed to be a good match for the 'Specified Skilled Worker' program. The details will be discussed later, but it is particularly said to be a good fit for healthcare professionals.
In recent years, a bilateral agreement called the 'Memorandum of Cooperation for the Proper Operation of the System Pertaining to Foreigners with Specified Skills' (referred to as MOC) has been signed between Japan and Myanmar. This has led to an increase in employment under the new 'Specified Skilled Worker' residence status, and the hiring requirements for these skilled workers have become more accessible. As a hiring route for specified skilled workers, Myanmar is gaining attention alongside countries like Nepal, Indonesia, and Cambodia.