Over 170 foreign prisoners pardoned in Myanmar New Year amnesty

Released prisoners, in a bus, are welcomed by family members and colleagues after they left Insein Prison in Yangon, Myanmar, Friday, April 17, 2026, following Myanmar President's amnesty to mark the country's traditional new year. - AP

YANGON: A total of 179 foreign prisoners currently serving sentences in Myanmar have been granted amnesty, according to Order No. 41/2026 issued by the Office of the President on April 17.

The decision was made to mark the Myanmar New Year, with the aim of promoting public peace of mind, demonstrating humanitarian considerations and maintaining friendly relations between nations.

Under Section 204 (a) of the Constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the President has pardoned the remaining sentences of the 179 foreign inmates held in prisons, detention centres and labour camps across the country.

The order also stipulates that they will be deported from Myanmar. - Eleven Media/ANN