Internal Migration and Wage Discrimination among Ethnic Minorities in Myanmar

This study investigates internal migration and wage discrimination between the Bamar majority and ethnic minorities in Myanmar's urban labor markets.Drawing on the Myanmar Living Conditions Survey (2016/2017), it applies the Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition technique to quantify wage differentials and identify structural discrimination.The analysis is grounded in internal migration theories, including Push-Pull Theory and the Harris-Todaro model, to contextualize ethnic minority migration from rural, conflict-affected areas to cities such as Yangon and Mandalay.While economic opportunity motivates migration, expected income, not actual wages, guides decisions, particularly under conditions of urban unemployment.Results indicate that ethnic minorities face significant unexplained wage gaps, especially in Bamar-majority states, highlighting the role of systemic discrimination.Even when minorities possess equal or better qualifications, returns to education and experience remain unequal.The study contributes to the understanding of how internal migration intersects with labor market inequality and offers policy implications for promoting equitable economic participation across ethnic groups.