Malaysia to return 1,476 Myanmar nationals in first phase of voluntary repatriation program
Summary
Malaysia will return 1,476 Myanmar nationals next month as part of the first phase of a voluntary repatriation program agreed with Myanmar’s government. The program is aimed at addressing Malaysia’s long-standing issue with refugees and undocumented migrants from Myanmar.Key Facts
- The first group to be repatriated will leave on September 29 using two warships and a hospital ship operated by the Myanmar navy.
- The repatriation program will involve a total of 5,000 Myanmar nationals returned in stages.
- As of August 15, Malaysia held 10,388 Myanmar nationals in immigration detention centers.
- Malaysia is introducing a new Refugee Registration Document system to register and manage refugees and asylum seekers directly, replacing the previous UN refugee agency system.
- This new system will cover both detained migrants and undocumented refugees living outside detention, including those with UNHCR cards.
- Refugees who meet requirements will receive cards allowing temporary stay in Malaysia under government conditions and monitoring.
- Over 95% of refugees in Malaysia come from Myanmar, including Rohingya, Chin, Karen, and Mon ethnic groups.
- Rights groups are concerned that replacing the UN system without strong legal protections may increase government surveillance and not solve existing problems like discrimination.
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