Malaysia begins sending thousands of Myanmar nationals back to war-torn homeland

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 29 — The Malaysian Home Ministry (KDN) reported that 1,476 Myanmar nationals embarked on their journey home during the inaugural phase of the country's voluntary repatriation initiative. This endeavor aims to address the prolonged refugee and undocumented migrant predicament that has beset the nation for decades.

The repatriation exercise was carried out through naval vessels and a hospital ship, a joint effort between KDN, the Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM), and pertinent security entities. While human rights and refugee advocacy groups have raised concerns, KDN maintained that the repatriation process is being executed in a phased and consensual manner, following formal verification and a bilateral agreement with Myanmar to accept the returnees.

According to KDN, as of August 15, Immigration detention centers across Malaysia were housing a total of 10,388 Myanmar nationals who underwent biometric identification, immigration status assessments, and security screenings. Of these, 5,000 were selected to participate in the voluntary and phased repatriation program to their native country, contingent on the Myanmar government's acceptance and the voluntary consent of the individuals involved in the repatriation process.

The initial group of 1,476 was chosen from a verified list submitted by Myanmar through an official diplomatic note.

The Ministry underlined that the longstanding issue of displaced foreign nationals, with Myanmar nationals constituting more than 95% of all registered refugees in Malaysia, has caused considerable financial strain on public infrastructure, engendered socio-economic tensions, and raised national security concerns. The MADANI administration is pursuing a phased, structured approach anchored in the Federal Constitution and the rule of law.

While Malaysia is not a signatory to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol, the repatriation program is executed in accordance with values of compassion and the Asean spirit of kinship, ensuring that the actions are carried out in an orderly, responsible, and humane manner without compromising national security and sovereignty.

KDN affirmed that subsequent repatriation phases will be conducted progressively, contingent upon document verification, logistical coordination, and operational readiness between Malaysian and Myanmar authorities.