by Hafizur Rahman
Sittwe, Arakan State | December 16, 2025
Rohingya travelers say they are being forced to pay illegal fees at multiple checkpoints inside Sittwe Airport before being allowed to board flights to Yangon, despite holding valid travel documents.
Several travelers told Rohingya Khobor that the first demand for money occurs at the entrance of the airport’s administrative building, where police officers allegedly collect around 10,000 MMK. At the next security checkpoint, another 5,000 MMK is reportedly demanded before travelers are allowed to proceed.
“Even before reaching the plane, we are already exhausted,” one Rohingya traveler said. “At every gate, someone asks for money. If we refuse, they delay us or threaten not to let us travel.”
According to passengers, the payments continue at the registration counters, where officers allegedly demand an additional 5,000 MMK from each traveler. After completing these steps, some administrative staff are also reported to collect between 20,000 and 30,000 MMK, depending on the individual’s situation.
One passenger said all required documents had been properly prepared, yet money was demanded at every stage of the process. He said without paying, moving forward inside the airport became extremely difficult.
Despite the alleged extortion, travelers said they were eventually permitted to board flights to Yangon and faced no further problems upon arrival, as their documents were valid.
Another Rohingya passenger said they are treated with suspicion and pressure despite traveling legally. He said for poor families, paying such large sums just to travel is deeply painful.
Many Rohingya families say these extra and unofficial payments place a heavy financial burden on travelers who are already struggling to survive under severe restrictions. Community members are calling for an end to such practices and for safe and fair travel without fear, harassment, or bribery.
