Narinjara News, May 19, 2025 

A Muslim elder informed Narinjara that Muslims traveling to Yangon from Sittwe for medical care are experiencing unnecessary difficulties because of the delay in the issuance of Form 4 travel permits. 

“The issue we Muslims in Sittwe are experiencing is that when we travel to Yangon from Sittwe for medical care, Form 4 travel permits are not provided promptly. They previously issued them, but now we must wait a considerable time. If we seek medical care for poor health, individuals are needlessly dying because of the wait. Recently, a friend of mine intended to go to Yangon for medical care by mortgaging his home, but he passed away because Form 4 wasn't submitted," he mentioned. 

Form (4) is a travel document provided to Rakhine Muslims without legal status. 

If Rakhine Muslims want to travel outside their township, district, or state, they need to request Form (4) from the Military Council. If they travel without Form (4), they will face enforcement actions per Section (188) of the Penal Code, and if apprehended, they will need to pay unlawful fees to the relevant authorities for their freedom. 

The Form (4) travel permit is sent from the Rakhine State Office in Sittwe to the Yangon Region Office, and upon receiving approval from the Yangon Region Office, the Rakhine State Office issues Form (4). 

“Many of us Muslims lack registration. Even if we submit an application, we won't receive it for a year. We won't receive it for two years. Ultimately, we submit an application for (Form 4) and arrive in Yangon with a 45-day authorization to obtain medical care. This Form (4) was previously issued, but we no longer receive it now. Currently, the Sittwe military office is examining it and is unsure if it belongs to the military office or the regional commander's office. Currently, the regional commander does not approve it. They may say, ‘Come today. Come tomorrow.’ Thus, we have been waiting for 3 to 4 months without finalizing it. It is a waste of time. The patient passes away when he needs care," he stated. 

Consequently, he desires the Rakhine Military Council and state-level immigration to promptly provide Form (4) for patients needing medical care on time.

Another Muslim student mentioned that Sittwe lacks adequate medical examination facilities and there aren’t enough doctors available to provide care, forcing them (Muslims) to travel to Yangon for treatment; however, they are encountering issues as Form (4) is currently not being issued. 

 "I am unable to seek medical care due to my health. This is discrimination because I belong to a different faith. Numerous individuals believe that Muslims in Sittwe enjoy rights, but in truth, they are encountering various challenges. They aren't even allowed to travel to Yangon for medical care due to their frail health," he mentioned. 

Muslims residing outside Sittwe are presently compelled to join the military through various incentives like citizenship and registration, yet in truth, they are not granted any rights. (Photo by HRW)