1st phase of Myanmar nationals’ repatriation begins on Sept 29

On September 29, the first phase of repatriating 5,000 Myanmar nationals to Myanmar will commence, announced the Malaysian home ministry. This decision was made after a meeting involving the home, foreign, and defence ministries, along with the National Security Council, taking into account logistical and coordination requirements. The 1,476 Myanmar nationals selected for the first phase were identified by the Myanmar government in a diplomatic note dated August 13.

As of August 15, a total of 10,388 Myanmar nationals were held in immigration detention depots in Malaysia. However, it is crucial to note that this figure encompasses all detained Myanmar nationals, not just those who are refugees. The ministry also revealed that 4,008 Myanmar nationals would be registered under the Refugee Registration Document (DPP) initiative this year, with the registration expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of the year.

These individuals will then be granted DPP cards, enabling them to reside temporarily in Malaysia, subject to the government's conditions, controls, and monitoring measures.

It is important to emphasize that the DPP initiative does not equate to Malaysian recognition or participation in the UN Refugee Convention and Protocol. In late July, home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail revealed that his ministry had initiated the process of identifying, documenting, and screening Myanmar refugees in anticipation of Malaysia's plan to repatriate these individuals.