Free Movement Regime

News: In February 2024, the Union Home Ministry had announced the suspension of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the Myanmar border. However, the formal notification ending the FMR is yet to be issued. In the meanwhile, new guidelines have been issued to regulate the movement of people along the international border. 

About Free Movement Regime 

• The FMR came into existence in 1968 to allow cross border movement of people on either side of the Indo-Myanmar border. 
• Initially, the territorial limit of free movement then 40 km, which was reduced to 16 km in 2004, and additional regulations were enforced in 2016. 
• Aim: To facilitate cross-border familial and ethnic ties and boost local border trade. 
• Under FMR, individuals can cross borders by producing a border pass with one-year validity and can stay up to two weeks per visit. 

About the new guidelines 

• The new guidelines have reduced the range of free movement to 10 km from the earlier 16km. The goal is to check illegal immigration and ethnic violence.
• The guidelines regulate cross-border movement of people of border areas from 43 designated entry and exit points.
• A resident crossing the border from India to Myanmar will be given a border pass by Assam Rifles for stay up to seven days in Myanmar. 
• Rules for entry into India from Myanmar:
  • Individuals will have to report at the designated border points and fill in a form. 
  • Documents inspection will be conducted by Assam Rifles. 
  • A security and health check would be carried out by the State police and health department. 
  • Assam Rifles will upload forms on the Indo-Myanmar Border portal, record biometrics and issue a border pass. 
  • The pass needs to be deposited on return at the same crossing point within seven days.