Key facts
- Malaysia will begin repatriating approximately 1,500 Myanmar refugees on September 29.
- The repatriation involves 1,476 individuals identified by the Myanmar government.
- Myanmar Navy warships and a hospital ship will be used for the return.
- Malaysia aims to repatriate 5,000 individuals in total this year.
- Over 10,000 Myanmar nationals were held in immigration detention depots as of August 15.
Malaysia announced that the first phase of a voluntary repatriation program for approximately 1,500 Myanmar nationals, primarily ethnic Rohingya refugees, will commence on September 29. The Ministry of Home Affairs stated that 1,476 individuals have been identified by the Myanmar government for this initial phase, which will utilize two Myanmar Navy warships and one hospital ship.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had previously indicated that Myanmar agreed to repatriate 5,000 Rohingya refugees amidst growing tensions with local communities in Malaysia. This year, Malaysia aims to channel about 4,008 individuals into the Refugee Registration Document (DPP) program, while the agreed 5,000 will undergo voluntary repatriation.
As of August 15, Malaysia's Immigration Department reported 10,388 Myanmar nationals in immigration detention depots, though not all are considered refugees. The department, in conjunction with the police, is verifying the identity, nationality, and security background of these detainees, a process expected to conclude by the fourth quarter. Malaysia affirmed its commitment to continuing the identification of individuals eligible and willing to return voluntarily.