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

The first phase of repatriating 5,000 Myanmar nationals to their homeland is set to commence on September 29, according to Malaysia's Home Ministry. This phase involves transporting 1,476 Myanmar nationals aboard two Malaysian warships and a Myanmar hospital ship. The decision to initiate this repatriation process was made during a meeting attended by the Home, Foreign, Defence Ministries, and the National Security Council, following discussions on logistical and coordination aspects.

The 1,476 Myanmar nationals to be repatriated were identified by the Myanmar government through a diplomatic note sent on August 13. This figure is emphasized as representing all detained Myanmar nationals in Malaysian immigration detention facilities, not just those qualifying as refugees. Additionally, 4,008 Myanmar nationals are slated for registration under the Refugee Registration Document (DPP) initiative this year, with the aim of completing the registration process by the fourth quarter of the year.

The DPP initiative does not imply Malaysia's endorsement or adherence to the UN Refugee Convention and Protocol. Since late July, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has detailed the ongoing efforts to identify, document, and screen Myanmar refugees prior to Malaysia's repatriation plan for 5,000 individuals.