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The Perception of Myanmar Development on its Return Migrants: Implications for Burmese Migrants in Thailand

Author

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  • Mya Mya Thet

    (Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Security
    International College of National Institute of Development Administration (ICO NIDA))

  • Piriya Pholphirul

    (National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) and International College of National Institute of Development Administration (ICO NIDA))

Abstract

Recent development in Myanmar has created stronger pull factors on emigrant Burmese workers to return to their motherland. Using a survey of 433 Burmese migrants in Thailand as a case study, this paper examines the impact of Myanmar’s development on the probability of the return of Burmese migrants to Myanmar from Thailand. Development factors such as more foreign direct investment, deregulation, and improvement of public services will encourage Burmese migrant workers to return home. Additionally, in terms of economic development, better job opportunities and political stability are also major pull factors for return migration. The main policy implication of these findings is that the chances that Burmese migrant workers will return home are high if investment opportunities followed by job availability and adequate wages can be found in Myanmar. Myanmar and Thailand should implement education programs set up by the Thai government and facilitate Burmese migrants’ children’s access to these programs as well as protecting migrants’ rights during the period of structural adjustment in Thailand.

Suggested Citation

  • Mya Mya Thet & Piriya Pholphirul, 2016. "The Perception of Myanmar Development on its Return Migrants: Implications for Burmese Migrants in Thailand," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 17(4), pages 995-1014, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joimai:v:17:y:2016:i:4:d:10.1007_s12134-015-0446-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s12134-015-0446-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. T. F. Rhoden, 2019. "Beyond the Refugee-Migrant Binary? Refugee Camp Residency Along the Myanmar-Thailand Border," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 20(1), pages 49-65, February.

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