A new migration project designed to improve the outcomes of migration for rural communities in Myanmar was launched in Nay Pyi Taw on 15 March.
Around 80 representatives from government, Civil Society Organisations, the private sector, UN and international development organisations attended the launch of the USD 6.5 million Twe Let project, funded by LIFT.
Twe Let means ‘hand in hand’ in Myanmar language and the project has two components - governance and community outreach – that together will work towards increasing the positive developmental role of migration.
Twe Let brings together government, international and local organisations to develop Myanmar’s first comprehensive migration policy and to provide migrants and their families with practical information and tools to help them make the best migration decisions and actions.
One in four people in Myanmar is a migrant. Most migrate for work opportunities to improve their lives and those of their families.
In his speech at the launch event, IOM Chief of Mission Kieran Gorman-Best said Myanmar’s fast-paced urbanisation was resulting in more rural-to-urban migration and a comprehensive approach to migration policy was required that suited the Myanmar context.
“Migration is an unavoidable phenomenon happening right now in Myanmar, and if managed well, it could be an enormous opportunity and contributor to Myanmar’s development,” Mr Gorman-Best said.
“Now is the right time to harness the benefits and the massive contributions made by migrants, while ensuring we try to prevent the exploitation and abuse of migrants.”
The Twe Let launch was opened by Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population Permanent Secretary U Myo Aung who welcomed the partnership between the ministry, IOM and local and international organisations in the Twe Let consortium.
Representing LIFT’s donor consortium at the launch Carin Salerno, Deputy Director of Cooperation for the Embassy of Switzerland in Myanmar said Twe Let was the largest of the projects in LIFT’s new USD 16 million migration progamme.
The project aims to reach 50,000 people in Mon, Kayin, Thanintharyi, Shan, Chin states and the Dry Zone over the next 2.5 years.
The project’s community outreach is designed to:
- help people planning to migrate make plans and set goals for their successful migration
- provide financial literacy training to households receiving remittances from migrants
- provide skills training to migrants to improve their chances of accessing good jobs, and
- provide job-matching support to graduates of skills training.
Twe Let will be implemented by IOM, the Chin Human Rights Organization, Mon Coalition led by Mon Women's Organization, Parami Development Network and Pact Global Microfinance Fund
