The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the February 2021 coup, sparked widespread unrest and an economic downturn in Myanmar. The ensuing turmoil, characterized by job losses, financial instability, and soaring inflation, significantly reduced living standards and contributed to a substantial upswing in migration as households and individuals sought refuge from escalating violence and deteriorating economic conditions. As of January 2024, UNHCR (2024) estimated that there were 2.6 million internally displaced persons in Myanmar and 60,500 officially recognized refugees and asylum seekers from Myanmar in other countries. However, this is only part of the migration story. Displacement is not solely due to conflict; individual and households are also relocating in search of employment within Myanmar and abroad. Consequently, these migrants are sending back remittances, which play a crucial role in supporting the welfare of families and communities in Myanmar. This blog post provides a synthesis of recent findings on individual and household migration as well as on remittances.
Key Findings
- Over 1.5 years (between December 2021 and June 2023) at least 18.5 percent of the population or more than 10 million people migrated: 6.5 million individuals 15 years and older left their households and 3.1 million individuals moved together as a household or family unit.
- Fifty six percent of individuals who migrated cited employment as at least one of their drivers for migration.
- More men left their households to migrate than women. Most individuals migrated for work within Myanmar, though over time more individuals departed to find work abroad.
- In the first half of 2023, 16 percent of households received remittances from at least one member who was residing overseas or in a different state or region.
- Remittances contributed more to the household income of rural residents and the poor and were mostly used towards food purchases. Households receiving remittances had better dietary quality and were less likely to be poor.
Recommended Actions
- Set up programs that facilitate access to credit to reduce the need for migrants or households to take out high-interest loans for migration.
- Develop support programs for communities experiencing high out-migration to enhance individuals' awareness of the associated risks, processes, and job opportunities linked to migration.
- Create centers in high in-migration areas to aid migrants by providing resources, legal assistance, sustenance, shelter, and community support.
- Monitor migration and evaluate the impact of policy changes.
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