“There are controversies about visa bans. We have never said anything like that. The government does not have any visa ban on Harn Yanghwe,” said U Zaw Htay at the press conference.

U Zaw Htay explained that the ex-government provided Harn Yanghwe with a Multiple Visa when he represented Euro-Burma Office (EBO) and co-operated with Myanmar Peace Center. However, there is no contract with EBO for the peacemaking process now. Therefore, the government no longer provides him with multiple visas, but he is allowed to get in and out of the country with a social visa, and it has already been confirmed with embassies.

“Harn Yanghwe can get in and out of Myanmar. He just cannot stay for a very long time in the country like before. He can use the Social visa to enter the country,” said U Zaw Htay.

A multiple visa allows people to stay in the country for a long period, and they will not need to apply for a visa every single time when they enter the country. A social visa needs to be reapplied for each visit.

Myanmar President Office Director General U Zaw Htay explained that the controversy about the visa ban on Harn Yanghwe can damage the government’s image. That is why they invited the press to a press conference to clarify the information.