Myanmar female workers to join Russia's Special Economic Zone Program
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Hsu/ Pearl (NP News)-July 28
In March and April, 54 workers from Myanmar were sent to Russia as part of a pilot project. Currently, the government is collaborating on efforts to send over 20 female workers in a follow-up batch.
“We’re planning to send women workers. Sending workers abroad isn’t something that can happen overnight—it takes about three or four months. Right now, the women are undergoing training in preparation for deployment. There are also demands for painters, so those selected are now receiving that training for painting. After that, there will be interviews and then visa processing, which will take about a month and a half. Additionally, submitting required documents to the relevant ministries also takes about a month and a half. So at the moment, we are only conducting training and making necessary preparations. Even after completing everything, it’ll take another four to five months before they can leave. Right now, we estimate we’ll be able to send only around 20 to 30 people,” said a representative from the labor export agency in an interview with The Statesman.
The selected workers are currently undergoing a five-month training program in the Russian language and job-specific skills before they are sent to Russia.
In addition, a special program exclusively for women is being implemented in Russia’s Special Economic Zone, and it is reported that the planned deployment of female workers is intended to allow them to participate in this program.
“There’s an economically developed zone in their country. Within that Special Economic Zone, they’ve created a dedicated program for women. Women from Myanmar are not yet participating, but they [the Russian side] provide all the training—Russian language, English, and job-related skills. The program is aimed at empowering young women from various countries. We’re working hard to get our women into this program. Initially, they’ll start with basic jobs—not high-paying or training-based roles—but entry-level jobs. Later on, for younger candidates, there’s a four-year program where they can even attend college. That program is really good, so we’re aiming to get them into that. We’ll start by sending them for work and then try to enroll them in the program. Once in, they’ll get a salary, on-the-job training, academic learning, and even college education—everything all in one. That’s why we’re trying to join that program,” the representative continued.
Myanmar workers in Russia will reportedly earn a basic salary of at least $500 to $2,500. They will be employed in the construction and garment industries.
He said, "The salaries in Russia start at $500 and can go much higher. The workers being brought in on visas for the Special Economic Zone will receive very high salaries. In Myanmar currency, after all expenses are covered, they can save around 10 million kyats (approximately $2,500). This is for those who go to work directly. However, for the four-year program, which includes studying, training, and working, the starting salary is around $800, which covers all living expenses. Their salary will increase with a promotion every six months. After completing the four-year program, their salary will be similar to those who went directly for work, reaching around $2,500." –