Malaysia to return 1,476 Myanmar nationals in first phase of voluntary repatriation program

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysia will repatriate 1,476 Myanmar nationals in the coming month, marking the initial stage of a voluntary program, according to the Home Ministry. The statement was made on Thursday, as the government seeks to tackle the nation’s persistent refugee and undocumented migrant predicament.

This repatriation initiative is part of a larger program that will involve 5,000 eligible Myanmar nationals who will be returned in phases, following procedures agreed upon by both governments. The first group, identified by Myanmar’s government, will be transported on Sept. 29 aboard two warships and a hospital ship operated by the Myanmar navy.

As of Aug. 15, a total of 10,388 Myanmar nationals were detained at immigration facilities across Malaysia, according to the Home Ministry. Officials anticipate completing the verification of identities and refugee claims by the end of the year.

In addition to the repatriation efforts, the Malaysian government is implementing decisive measures to comprehensively resolve the refugee issue that has plagued the country for decades and caused financial, social, and security concerns. More than 95% of refugees in Malaysia originate from Myanmar, comprising Muslim minority Rohingya and other communities, such as Chin, Karen, and Mon.

To manage refugees and asylum seekers effectively, Malaysia is introducing the Refugee Registration Document, a new system for registering and managing refugees and asylum seekers. This system supersedes the previous refugee registration system overseen by the United Nations' refugee agency and provides Malaysian authorities with direct access to registration and biometric data.

The new system encompasses those in detention as well as undocumented migrants residing outside the country, including UNHCR cardholders and others claiming refugee status.

Those who meet the requirements will receive a card granting temporary residency in Malaysia, contingent upon government conditions and monitoring. Malaysia has become an attractive destination for refugees from Myanmar due to its accessibility, existing communities, and economic prospects, despite lacking a formal refugee protection system.

Approximately 215,600 refugees and asylum seekers are currently registered with the UNHCR, with 90% of them being from Myanmar. The UNHCR has warned that refugees face risks such as arrest, detention, exploitation, and discrimination due to the absence of a clear legal framework to safeguard their status. Rights groups are concerned that replacing the UNHCR registration system without a comprehensive legal framework could exacerbate these issues.

They also argue that the new system could intensify government surveillance of refugees without appropriate safeguards for privacy and protection. The ministry claims the new system is "designed to save the nation from a looming demographic crisis," stating that it will enhance security, curb the shadow economy, and ensure the welfare and interests of local citizens remain protected and prioritized.