Posts in category: SERVICES

The licenced overseas recruitment agencies are allowed to send employees abroad under the Overseas Employment Law (1999), according to the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population. Regarding granting licence to the overseas recruitment agencies, most employees choose to depart mainly to Thailand, Malaysia, Korea, Japan, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Macao and Jordan. So far, Myanmar has sent 1,320,914 employees to foreign countries from 1990 to May 2021.

The Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population has been increasing business licence deposit fees for the overseas employment agencies from K5 million to K25 million starting from 4 February 2020. It raised deposit fees to reduce the number of overseas employment agencies, make them interested in their businesses, and work effectively. It would also ensure more prominent agencies are more responsible and accountable. According to the Ministry, among the overseas recruitment agencies, there are 295 overseas employment agencies in Myanmar that pay increased deposit fees of K 25 million.

Those who wish to apply for the new overseas employment agency license need to come and apply for the permit at the department of labour relations (head office) in Nay Pyi Taw. The application must be signed in person by the managing director of the agency companies. The managing directors need to bring the necessary documents such as company profile, national ID, census and recommendation of the police station and ward. Those, who will apply for agency licences, must show proof of personal assets worth K100 million, an updated bank account with at least K100 million from the last six months and demand letters. 

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Beginning in mid-March, agents at Wave Money Transfer, Myanmar’s largest market share, began to struggle. Online money transfer services in Myanmar include OK Dollar, Wave Money is the most used by the basic people. After the political upheaval in Myanmar, remittances were not difficult in February, but they have been difficult since mid-March. This is because Wave Money no longer provides remittances to Wave money transfer operators. Wave Money employs a representative called a DDR in each township. From there, people take the agent license and work. If a sender is about to transfer money to someone in another township, the money is transferred through an agent. An agent in another township will reimburse the receiver according to the amount transferred. The transfer fee is only 1500 kyats per 100,000. To do so, agents have to withdraw the money from the relevant DDR. And DDR also has to withdraw from Wave Money. This is the operating level of Wave Money. This is a normal routine. The problem has been there since the money could not be withdrawn.

In mid-March, agents who have direct contact with customers arrange to make deposits and withdrawals between the customers, even they are not able to withdraw cash. But the crisis is not over. As time went on, the agent ran out of money. As a result, the money in the banks has to be withdrawn as a percentage. Percentage withdrawal is become popular in the remittance market. Wave Money company is connected with Yoma Bank. In the past, if Wave could not withdraw money, people could withdraw from the bank. Now it can no longer be withdrawn from the bank, so people have to withdraw a percentage of the money from the bank to run their business. That’s where the percentage market comes in. Percentage withdrawal varies from township to township. The minimum payment is 10% and currently it is up to 12%. Wave Money has announced that it will take action against agents who exchange percentages shortly after the market for percentages is introduced. Lack of normal banking services, unlimited mobile internet disconnection, limited internet services, Wave Money reports that internet instability and power outages have disrupted their operations and made it difficult for them to provide services to millions of customers.

It is learned that the big agents are facing various difficulties in providing Wave Money money transfer and withdrawal services. Most of them are facing shortage of banknotes and money transfer at Wave Money shops. Agents are facing an increase in the amount of cash withdrawal services. According to reports, some agents are charging higher fees, and Wave Money understands the difficulties faced by its agents in this situation, but they are not allowed to charge more than normal Wave Money service fees. Wave Money has announced that it will investigate cases of overpayment and will take appropriate action against customers in the event of such breaches or breaches of the code. Wave Money agents reacted to the announcement. They said that when a customer want to withdrawal money, they give the number which Wave Money has given to them. The main problem is the irresponsibility of Wave Money. There has also been criticism of Wave Money’s statement on social media. These things would not have happened if Wave had taken responsibility for the money in the account and exchanged it for cash. 

It is understandable that Wave cannot take responsibility for itself due to the current situation. But people also see that accountability of Wave Money is lacking since they were just saying without any actual actions. But there are some agents who offer cashless withdrawals to keep the customers out of trouble. After the political upheaval, it became difficult to withdraw money from banks, and most people relied on remittance services such as Wave Money for easy money transfer. However, Wave agents say they have not yet been able to transfer money properly and have not returned to their original state. A money changer from Wave Money said that it was difficult to solve the problem for the basic people because it was not easy to transfer money. It’s easy for everyone to use, as long as they show them the incoming message and simply generate a password. Now, even if customers will pay the percentage, they still need to find the an agent. And they have to pay it since they need to have cash. For some people, they can buy rice with that money if they do not need to pay a percentage. At present, some Wave agents charge a percentage of the money in the bank to get the money out of the bank and then withdraw the money from the cashier. No one can say when that will end.

Source: Daily Eleven

Passengers travelling on state-owned Myanmar National Airlines flights can visit the website (www / flymna.com) and can easily book with digital payments through the application and call center. Payment for airline tickets with 3D Secure credit or Debit Card, payment by MPU Card, payment by Bank Transfer Payment can be made over the counters such as NearMe, G & G, abc convenience store, City Express and Oasis through 123 Service. Customers who use Mobile banking / i-banking can pay using KBZ Direct Pay, CB Web Pay, AYA Mobile banking, UAB mobile banking, MAB mobile banking.

Passengers on international flights of the state-owned Myanmar National Airlines will be tested for COVID-19 at Yangon Airport Molecular Lab. State-owned Myanmar National Airlines has announced flight schedules for next May, all of which will be operated by Embraer 190 and ATR 72-600 aircraft. Of the five domestic airlines, all airlines have resumed domestic flights and passenger flights have resumed, according to domestic airlines. Among the domestic airlines, state-owned Myanmar National Airlines and Air KBZ are resuming domestic flights, while GMA and Man Yadanarbon Airlines are operating only Yangon-Sittwe routes.

In May, 2021, there will be flights of Myanmar National Airlines from Yangon to Mandalay, Heho, Kyaing Tong, Sittwe, Myeik, Bote Pyin, Dawei, Kyaukphyu, Loikaw and Kalay. According to a statement from the Ministry of Health and Sports, all passengers on domestic flights will no longer need to undergo the COVID-19 test and will have to comply with other health standards. According to the statement, passengers on domestic flights can apply for a ticket at a local ticket office or at a local ticket office. They will be able to purchase regular flights without having to endorse online or in accordance with the health standards.

Passengers may be exposed to suspected COVID-19 fever, whooping cough, sudden loss of odor, or contact with an infected person within two weeks. And only those who are free of all symptoms and conditions will be allowed to travel. Passengers are required to abide by local orders when the aircraft arrives in their respective cities. The COVID-19 medical check-up for passengers on rescue flights and domestic flights of state-owned Myanmar National Airlines (MNA) and International Myanmar Airlines (MAI) will be available at Yangon Airport Cargo Warehouse and N Health Laboratory, according to the airline.

Source: Daily Eleven

The number of companies registered on the online registry system, MyCO, topped 2,000 in the first four months of this year, the statistics released by the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA) indicated. The registration and re-registration of companies on the MyCO website commenced on 1 August 2018, in keeping with the Myanmar Companies Law 2017. During Q1 of 2021, the number of registered companies on MyCO was 1,373 in January, 188 in February, 163 in March and 254 in April, the DICA’s statistics showed. At present, 100 per cent of the applicants are using the online registration platform, the DICA stated.

Last year, the figures of registered companies stood at 1,415 in January, 1,298 in February and 1,015 in March, only 348 companies in April, 798 in May, 1,314 in June, 1,650 in July, 1,551 in August, 1,378 in September, 1,693 in October, 1,099 in November and 1,521 in December, as per statistics of the DICA. The figure stood at 1,733 in January 2019, 1,419 in February, 1,108 in March, and over 1,045 in April, 1,411 in May, 1,307 in June, 1,428 in July, 1,302 in August and 1,181 in September. The figures reached a fresh new peak of 2,059 in October 2019. Then, 1,615 new companies in November and 1,772 in December were recorded, data of the DICA showed. When the online registry was launched in August 2018, 1,816 new companies registered on MyCO.

The figure stood at 2,218 in September 2018, 1,671 in October, 1,431 in November and 1,364 in December 2018. In addition, all registered companies need to file annual returns (AR) on the MyCO registry system within two months of incorporation, and at least once every year (not later than one month after the anniversary of the incorporation), according to Section 97 of Myanmar Companies Law 2017. According to Section 266 (A) of the Myanmar Companies Law 2017, public companies shall simultaneously submit annual returns and financial statements (G-5). All overseas corporations must submit ARs in the prescribed format on MyCO within 28 days of the financial year ending, as per Section 53 (A-1) of the Myanmar Companies Law 2017.

As per DICA’s report, more than 16,000 companies were suspended as of September-end for failure to submit AR forms within the due date. Newly established companies are required to submit ARs within two months of incorporation or face a fine of K100,000 for filing late returns. The DICA has notified that any company that fails to submit its AR within 13 months will be notified of its suspension (I-9A). If it fails to submit the AR within 28 days of receiving the notice, the system will show the company’s status as suspended. Companies can restore their status only after shelling out a fine of K50,000 for the AR fee, K100,000 to restore the company on the Register, and K100,000 for late filing of documents. If a company fails to restore its status within six months of suspension, the registrar will strike its name off the Register, according to the DICA notice. 

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

30 April 2021

1. Efforts were made to regularly apply the monetary systems and applications that bank and mobile monetary service providers operate through the Internet during the period of temporarily interrupting the mobile Internet. The Central Bank of Myanmar has announced some banks that can provide services to customers on 29 April.
2. Currently, UAB Bank, Myanmar Apex Bank, Nay Pyi Taw Development Bank, Asian Green Development Bank and Shwe Rural and Urban Development Bank can give the following services — account to account transfer, wallet to wallet, bank to bank and CCT functions of CMB Net of the Central Bank of Myanmar to the public with the use of mobile banking, Internet banking, mobile top-up, other cards top-up, bill payments, Visa/Master credit card payment, MPU cards, all ATMs and Bank Pay.
3. Mobile monetary service providers, namely Wave Money, OK$, M-Pitesan, MyTel Pay and MPT Money, are giving their services as usual for a mobile top-up, wallet to wallet, bank to the wallet, wallet to the bank, air time top-up, and merchant cash in/cash out.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Banks will be allowed to open new accounts and deposit cash from May 3, and the central bank announced on April 27 that it would allow unrestricted cash withdrawals from those accounts, according to a broadcast on Myanmar Radio and Television. 

From May 3, the public will be allowed to open new bank accounts and deposit cash if they wish to deposit their cash in banks for security purposes.

In addition, those who have opened bank accounts before May 3 will continue to be allowed to withdraw cash in accordance with the Central Bank of Myanmar’s original withdrawal restrictions. According to the press release, arrangements are being made to ease these withdrawal restrictions.

Source: Daily Eleven

During the current government’s five-year term, four local banks, eight foreign bank branches, and six foreign bank representative offices have been allowed to open, according to figures released by the Central Bank of Myanmar. The local banks that were allowed to open under the current government are Glory Farmer Development Bank; Metal Development Bank; Myanmar Tourism Bank Farmers Development Bank – Mandalay. The foreign banks that were allowed to open under the current government are BIDV Bank (Vietnam); Shinhan Bank (South Korea), E. Sun Commercial Bank Limited (Taiwan), State Bank of India (India), Mega International Commercial Bank (Taiwan), The Korea Development Bank (South Korea); Cathy United Bank (Taiwan), Bank of China (Hong Kong) (Hong Kong).

In March 2020, the number of branches opened by 27 private banks was 1,940, and the number increased to 634 in 45 months, according to the Quarterly Financial Statistics Bulletin (2019 Volume IV) issued by the Central Bank of Myanmar. As of June 2016, there are 515 branches in four state-owned banks in Myanmar, 62 ATMs, 1306 branches from 24 private banks; 1586 ATMs, 10 foreign bank branches, 15 foreign financial companies. There are 45 foreign bank representative offices. As of March 2020, there are 517 branches in four state-owned banks in Myanmar, 93 ATMs, 1940 branches from 27 private banks, 2894 ATM, 13 foreign bank branches, 29 foreign financial companies, 45 foreign bank representative offices. There are six representative offices of foreign financial companies.

In 45 months, the state-owned bank will have two branches; 31 ATMs; Three private banks; 634 branches; 1588 ATMs; Three foreign banks; 14 foreign financial companies; Six foreign finance company representative offices were expanded, and the foreign bank representative office remained unchanged at 45 as of June 2016. In December 2019, deposits in state-owned banks and private banks exceeded 49350 billion kyats, compared to 631 billion kyats in the previous three months. Deposits in private banks increased by more than 854 billion kyats. As of December 2019, the amount of loans disbursed by local banks was over 29695 billion kyats, while state-owned banks provided over 5270 billion kyats. Private banks have lent more than 24,424 billion kyats.

In December 2019, deposits at foreign bank branches totaled more than 4,022 billion kyats, and more than 2,036 billion kyats were disbursed. In order to ensure the security of the entire banking system, banks have to submit reports to the Central Banking Regulatory Commission. Daily reports include capital expenditures. Deposit Loans Money transfer, Income and expenses, Ownership of government securities, Income / Expenditure Account, Test status and daily foreign exchange status. The weekly report to be submitted is the cash flow ratio. Monthly reports include income and expenditure status; Balance Sheet List of capital adequacy ratios and entitlements. Quarterly reports include a list of large debts. Loans by sector and type of insurance to be sent annually. In 2014, nine foreign banks were allowed to open branches in Myanmar. In 2016, there were four branches; Now, in 2020, there will be four branches. Three banks under foreign banks. A total of 17 foreign bank branches; Three foreign-affiliated banks have been licensed.

Source: Daily Eleven

THE KB Bank Myanmar launched its financial services as the first subsidy of the foreign bank yesterday. The opening ceremony of the bank was held at the Lotte Hotel in Yangon and was attended by Yangon Region Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein, Korean Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Lee Sang hwa, Chairman of Korean Association in Myanmar, President of KOCHAM Mr Park JeongHwan, President of UMFCCI U Zaw Min Win and other officials.

The KB Bank Myanmar is the first subsidy of the foreign bank of Korean KB Kookmin Bank and awarded a banking licence by the Central Bank of Myanmar on 23 December 2020. The bank is opened at 104 University Avenue Road in No (9) Ward o Kamayut Township of Yangon and will serve banking services with new technologies like other local banks.

The CEO of KB Bank Myanmar said,” The bank will offer all banking services like other local banks. It started opening the saving accounts on 11 January. We will keep offering mobile banking services and foreign remittance services in the coming weeks.” The KB Bank Myanmar Ltd will operate 10 branches in Myanmar- 5 in Yangon Region and another 5 in other regions and states during five years.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Siam Commercial Bank, the only Thai bank allowed to operate a wholly-owned subsidiary bank in Myanmar, is opening “Siam Commercial Bank Myanmar” in Yangon, according to a press release. SCB Myanmar will leverage its digital banking expertise and strength to elevate financial products, services, and payment systems in Myanmar to fulfil the business requirements of the ASEAN group. The move will open up new capabilities and allow SCB Myanmar to meet the needs of every customer group in Myanmar to the fullest extent possible, whether large corporations, SMEs, or retail customers. SCB Myanmar will also capitalize on SCB’s branch network by bridging regional trade and investment relations among the CLMV+2 countries.

Siam Commercial Bank President SarutRuttanaporn said that the Bank will support the development of financial infrastructure and payment systems even further by offering solutions critical for Myanmar’s businesses and digital finance, in line with the increasing popularity of Myanmar’s digital banking trend. The Bank is now studying the market so as to create satisfactory financial experiences for the people of Myanmar. Their tasks will start from the development of digital payment systems, both a corporate portal for businesses and mobile banking for retail customers. Services expected to be available in 2022, which will help support business payments and reduce cash usage and management costs in the country.

SCB was granted a banking licence to operate Siam Commercial Bank Myanmar by the Central Bank of Myanmar. This development is an important jigsaw piece in SCB, accomplishing the strategic expansion of its overseas network in the CLMV+2 countries over the past several years. With its increasing importance as a regionally strategic country, Myanmar has become one of the top destinations attracting investors from around the world. The country’s strategic location links Asia’s two regional powers, China and India. According to a World Bank forecast, Myanmar’s GDP will resume its former 6 per cent level in 2021, up from the 1.5 per cent level predicted for 2020 due to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

The application of export and import permits online via Myanmar Trade Net 2.0 is secure and can help curb corruption , said the director general at the Ministry of Commerce can be applied online and security systems are in place to protect the user and applicants mentioned during a press conference on Trade Net 2.0. Trade Net 2.0 assists paperless trade – the digital trade.

It partly assists in implementing our e-government system. Data can be securely shared between government agencies and information leakage will not occur. Moreover, it is also mentioned that import and export permits can be applied anywhere at anytime, as long as internet service can be accessed. There is no contact between businesspeople and departments at all. They have also planned to improve security of the the system.

In the banking sector, even if the end user’s account is breached, the culprit will not be able to carry our (transactions) without a One Time Passcode according to the deputy director. The system however does not allow for the application of special permits. These will still have to be applied for in person. There are currently 3,430 people registered with Myanmar Trade Net 2.0. A total of 756 cards related to export and import and 1,617 import permits have been processed with the online system.

Source: Myanmar Times