The Covid-19 pandemic has reduced passport applications at the passport issuance branch office in the Arakan State capital Sittwe by about half so far this year.

Last year, about 2,000 people applied for passports to travel abroad, but as of October, only about 900 have applied for passports, said Police Captain Myo Thet Tun, in-charge of the Myanmar Passport Issuance Branch Office (Sittwe).

“The number of passport applicants has decreased due to the Covid-19 outbreak and the closure of government offices. People cannot apply for passports when the government offices are not open,” he said.

Singapore, Dubai, Thailand and Malaysia are the top destination countries for Myanmar passport holders from Arakan State.

“This year, fewer people applied for passports to go to Malaysia. Most passport applicants go abroad on visitor visas,” Police Captain Myo Thet Tun said.

He added that the largest number of passport applicants were for Visit passports and the second largest number were applying for Work passports.

The Ministry of Home Affairs issues nine different types of passports to Myanmar citizens.

Individuals wanting to apply for a passport must bring an original identity card, original household registration card, original birth certificate (for those under 10 years old) and pay K35,000, according to the Myanmar Passport Issuance Branch Office (Sittwe).