What happened to Myanmar’s identity card practice after the regime change?

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Myanmar's Identity Card Practices Shifted Post-Regime Change

Following a change in regime and the country's renaming to Myanmar, the government's approach to issuing identity cards to the Moken people became inconsistent. This shift has resulted in significant challenges for the Moken, impacting their freedom of movement, legal employment opportunities, and access to essential social services.
Inconsistent Issuance of National Identity Cards

The Burmese government initially enacted a Citizenship Act in 1982, which included the issuance of national identity cards to several Moken leaders. These cards were crucial, primarily functioning as travel permits that allowed the Moken leaders' flotillas to navigate the seas without restriction. However, after the regime change and the country's subsequent renaming to Myanmar, the consistent provision of these identity cards to the Moken community ceased.
Restrictions on Movement and Employment

As a consequence of the inconsistent issuance of identity cards, Moken individuals and other stateless populations in Myanmar now face stringent limitations. They are required to obtain government permission to travel beyond their designated residential districts. Furthermore, engaging in legal employment necessitates possessing a specific work permit, a document that has become difficult to obtain.
Reliance on Informal Sector and Lack of Benefits

The inability to secure legal work permits often compels the Moken to seek employment within the informal sector. This often leads to their exploitation, with individuals frequently experiencing substandard wages and working conditions. Moreover, as stateless individuals, the Moken are excluded from accessing national healthcare services and are ineligible for welfare benefits typically provided to citizens.

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What happened to Myanmar’s identity card practice after the regime change?

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