Original Language
English
Number of Pages
60
Reference Number
ENG0503
Date of upload

19 Dec 2016

Migrants from Myanmar and Risks Faced Abroad: A desk study

Myanmar is the largest migration source in the Greater Mekong Subregion, sending an estimated 10 per cent of its 50-million population abroad, mainly to Thailand and Malaysia, as well as other destinations in Asia and beyond. Limited formal opportunities for safe migration from the country force many Myanmar nationals to use unsafe migration routes and channels, accept dangerous and irregular jobs, and live in hazardous conditions in their host locations. These combined factors make them particularly vulnerable to crises of all kinds, including disasters, instability, livelihood insecurity, violence and conflicts that threaten their lives and well-being in areas of destination.

This study looks at the main population flows currently taking place in Myanmar, the stocks of Myanmar nationals abroad and their composition, as well as highlights the main risk factors that Myanmar nationals face abroad in areas of transit and destination. Finally, it examines the institutional structures – and their mandates and capacities – that Myanmar has in place to assist them when they are affected by crises abroad.

  • Summary 
  • Introduction
  • Methodology
  • Limitations
  • Migration from Myanmar: Main patterns and emerging trends
  • Migration trends
  • Migration drivers
  • Migrants’ main areas of origin
  • Length of stay
  • Main crises affecting migrants in countries of transit and destination
  • Migrants’ conditions of vulnerability in their areas of destination
  • Myanmar “Hotspots” migrants’ destinations
  • Thailand
  • Malaysia
  • Bangladesh
  • United States
  • Other destinations
  • Migration-related institutional structures in Myanmar
  • Conclusion
  • Annex A. Tables
  • Annex B. Questionnaire
  • Referencesectrónicos y bases de datos
  • Entrevistas