KARENNI STATE – The passport office is refusing to issue passports to the residents of Loikaw City in Karenni State, causing troubles for those preparing to go abroad.
Although some junta departments resumed operations in Loikaw, the passport office is not among them and the offices at other regions are also said to be denying people from Loikaw.
“They are just pointing fingers at one another. We were told at Taunggyi to apply (for passport) in Loikaw. But then in Loikaw, the office is closed and they told us to go to Taunggyi. People from Loikaw only end up with travel expenses,” said a Loikaw resident waiting to apply for passport.
The people holding the citizen scrutiny cards for Karenni State reportedly require guarantee letters from the related township immigration and human resources department to apply for passport.
However, Loikaw residents were denied the letter when they visited the junta Regional Operations Command in Loikaw despite earlier announcement that the guarantee letters are issued there.
“There are no job opportunities for youths in this deteriorating state. Restoration is going to take more time. Restoration efforts require funds. Right now, the only way to earn money to own a home is to work overseas,” said a person preparing to go abroad.
Although Loikaw residents can acquire passport at the office in Taunggyi via agents, it can cost up to three million Kyats, which is unaffordable for the working class population.