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 next month in the first phase of a voluntary program, the Home Ministry said on Thursday, as the government moves to address the country’s long-running refugee and undocumented migrant issue.

The repatriation is part of a broader program involving 5,000 eligible Myanmar nationals who will be returned in stages under procedures agreed by the two governments, the ministry said.

The first group was identified by Myanmar’s government and will be sent back on Sept. 29 on two warships and a hospital ship operated by the Myanmar navy, it said in a statement.

A total of 10,388 Myanmar nationals were being held at immigration detention depots nationwide as of Aug. 15, according to the Home Ministry, and officials hope to complete verification of their identity and refugee claims by the year-end.

Alongside the repatriation effort, it said the government is also taking bold steps to decisively resolve the refugee issue that has dragged on for decades and created financial, social and security concerns.

Over 95% of refugees in Malaysia are from Myanmar, including Muslim minority Rohingya as well as Chin, Karen and Mon communities. Malaysia is introducing a Refugee Registration Document as a new system for registering and managing refugees and asylum seekers in the country.

The new system replaces the previous refugee registration system managed by the U.N.’s refugee agency and gives Malaysian authorities direct access to registration and biometric information. It covers those under detention as well as undocumented migrants living outside, including UNHCR cardholders and others claiming to be refugees.

Those who meet requirements will receive a card allowing them to stay temporarily in Malaysia, subject to government conditions and monitoring, it said.

Malaysia is a popular destination for refugees from Myanmar because it is relatively accessible, has established Myanmar communities and offers economic opportunities, despite not having a formal refugee protection system.

Some 215,600 refugees and asylum seekers were registered with the UNHCR as of the end of February, with 90% of them from Myanmar. The UNCHR has said refugees face risks including arrest, detention, exploitation and discrimination because they lack a clear legal framework protecting their status.

Rights groups worry that replacing the UNHCR registration system without a broader legal framework could leave those problems unresolved. They also said the new system could increase government surveillance of refugees without adequate safeguards for privacy and protection.

The ministry said the new system is “designed to save the nation from a looming demographic crisis.” It said the system would strengthen security, curb the shadow economy, and ensure the welfare and interests of local citizens remain protected and prioritized.

It pledged that the new system would be operated openly and that there would be “no room for uncertainty.”