Myanmar has completely stopped issuing passports to its citizens

According to The Irrawaddy, Myanmar's military government last week completely stopped issuing and renewing passports to citizens, as well as accepting applications for new passports. No details of what caused the suspension were available.

Social activists said the aim was to reduce the flow of funds from Myanmar citizens working abroad to the People's Defence Forces.

It is noted that most of the money to the resistance movement is sent by Myanmar migrants working in Malaysia.

According to observers, the military also prevents opposition Myanmar citizens disguised as migrant workers from leaving the country.

The International Organisation for Migration estimates that at least 40,000 people are fleeing the country every month to escape economic hardship due to ongoing internal conflicts. They mainly go to Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea and Japan.