Once the richest country in Southeast Asia, Myanmar has suffered from decades of isolation and stagnation but as political and economic reforms took hold, the Myanmar recruitment market is set to explode. While many of Myanmar’s exiles, especially professionals, remain wary about returning, foreign expatriates will likely be needed to fill in the much needed void in the mean time.
As the country’s economy opens up, the Myanmar recruitment market is seeing an explosion in demand for skilled professionals and managers to staff MNCs, other international organizations and NGOs. There is no restriction on the number of expatriate employees that can be hired by foreign or local companies. However, foreigners cannot be appointed as directors in local organizations.
As Myanmar institutes reforms and sanctions imposed on the country ease, foreign expatriates working in Myanmar can expect changes when it comes to visas and work permits. Right now, a Myanmar business visa will allow for a stay of 10 weeks and is extendable for up to 12 months on case-by-case basis. However, foreign expatriates intending to work in Myanmar should contact the nearest Myanmar embassy for the most up-to-date information on current visa and work permit formalities. The followings are important facts for those seeking jobs in Myanmar.
- Check your visa status – It is important that everyone came from overseas have to check his or her visa status in the passport. If there is a case for extension, contact to Ministry of Immigration & Population, website at: www.mip.gov.mm/, or if outside of Myanmar, contact Myanmar Embassy in the respective country.
- Prepare your CV or Resume–when preparing the Curriculum Vitæ (CV), it should cover your education as well as any other accomplishments like publications, awards, honors etc. It is in the applicant’s interest to change the resume from one job application to another and to tailor it to the needs of that specific post.
- Use Recruitment Websites effectively – nowadays majority of successful job applications in Myanmar are through recruitment websites. Like many other developed countries, job seekers and employers in Myanmar are now familiar with the advantages of using online job applications.
- Apply jobs related to your qualification and working experience – it is very important to apply for related jobs as give a good impression potential to your employer. Myanmar companies consider both on qualification and experience together.
- Find the organization which you are really interested to work – before apply to a certain post, an executive job seeker should find out more information about the organization. Public access on the information about companies is a scarcity in Myanmar and one would be wise to enquiry about a specific company and its reputation through informal news.
- The behavior of Myanmar Companies – Myanmar companies need to struggle in turbulent business environment of the country. The management admires executives who can really perform rather than showing high qualifications from overseas. The Can-Do Attitude is much valued here.
- Know employment laws in Myanmar – if you are having certain doubt in your employment contract, you can scale counsel from a lawyer or study existing labour laws such as; Workmen’s Compensation Act (1923), Employment Statistics Act (1948), Factories Act (1951), Leave and Holidays Act (1951), Employment Restriction Act (1959), Labour Organization Law (2011), Settlement of Labour Dispute Law (2012), the Social Security Law (2012), the Employment and Skill Development Law (2013), the Minimum Wages Law (2013), Payment of Wages Law (2016) and Shops and Establishments Law (2016). Wish you all the best for a successful career in Myanmar.