Rohingya Face Multiple Travel Restrictions Under Arakan Army Administration in Northern Rakhine State
May 14
1 min read
Arakan Now | 14 May 2026
Rohingya residents in Buthidaung Township say they are facing strict travel restrictions under the Arakan Army administration, including mandatory recommendation letters and multiple fees to travel to Maungdaw.
According to local residents, even travel between Nayma areas within the same township now requires official permission.
Residents said they must obtain:
A recommendation letter from the local administrator – 3,000 MMK
A letter from the Nayma officer – 3,000 MMK
Approval from Ma Ya Ka authorities – 5,000 MMK
For many Rohingya families living in poverty, the costs have become an additional burden.
“Even for short travel, we need permission and money,” one resident told Arakan Now. “We feel trapped.”
Many residents said they had hoped conditions would improve after the Arakan Army took control of northern Rakhine State. However, they say movement restrictions against Rohingya continue under the current administration.
Under military junta rule, Rohingya faced decades of severe travel restrictions, checkpoints, and permit systems. Residents now say the current situation feels similar, or in some cases even worse.
Local people say the restrictions are affecting daily life, including access to healthcare, work opportunities, and family visits.
Residents are calling for freedom of movement and an end to unnecessary travel barriers imposed on Rohingya communities.
