As more textile factories open in Burma and the Burmese Kyat gains strength over the Indian Rupee many migrant workers living in Aizawl, India, are returning home. Most are from Chin state.
There has been an exodus, according to one migrant worker who didn’t want their name used. “Most Burmese weavers have left Mizoram. The rest will also go back. Now, there are only around 500 out of 800 Burmese weavers in the Zawngtui block of Aizawl.”
Furthermore, weaver’s wages and even the work conditions in Burma are improving.
A factory owner based in Kalemyo, Sagaing Division, told Khonumthung that more weaving factories are being built in Kalemyo, Myitkyina and Mungzua. This is improving the livelihood of residents, he said.
According to a resident “weaving factories are increasing in Kalemyo each day”. The textiles are imported to Tahan, Mandalay, Rangoon and Naypyidaw.
A Burmese weaver can expect to earn between 500-1000 (US $9.15-$18.30) Rupees a week. After living costs, most can only save about 200 Rupees (US $3.66) each week. They also face the threat of being deported if they are illegal.
