In accordance with the 1959 Employment Restriction Act and the 2013 Employment and Skills Development Law, the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population has granted licenses to local employment agencies registered with the Investment and Companies Administration Department.
Under Section 35 of the 2013 Employment and Skills Development Law, those found guilty of offering employment services illegally or operating without a license can be sentenced to up to three years in prison or fined, or both.
Hence, those who wish to operate local employment agencies should apply to the ministry for a license, in accordance with the set rules.
Meanwhile, the ministry has invited complaints against illegal employment agencies and licensed employment agencies flouting rules set by the government. Agencies found breaking the rules will be charged in accordance with the 2013 Employment and Skills Development Law.
Local and overseas employment agencies are required to act in an ethical manner, remain transparent, and refrain from committing labour violations when dealing with workers and international employers.
The law prohibits offering of illegal employment services.
This shows how the Union Government has not neglected the migrant workers, and continues to protect them. The employment business is not a trade, but involves human beings.
Developing countries likes Myanmar are facing shortage of jobs for youths due to the impact of climate change and disasters. Youths and children are leaving schools and working as domestic help, while low employment rates and low salaries in the domestic market have forced young workers in Myanmar to seek jobs overseas.
This situation has alerted governments in developing countries to become more serious about enforcing existing laws to prevent exploitation of workers and to provide them safety and dignity.
The ministry is making concerted efforts to create more employment opportunities for both domestic and overseas job hunters through an online labour exchange management system.
At the same time, all citizens need to refrain from operating illegal businesses to ensure the safety of workers, or face legal action.
As for employment agencies securing domestic jobs, those agencies that do not follow the directives and rules set by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population can get their business license revoked and face legal action, depending on the gravity of their offense._GNLM
