Myanmar and Malaysia agree to repatriate thousands of nationals

Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim have agreed to the immediate repatriation of between 3,000 and 4,000 Myanmar nationals currently held in Malaysian immigration detention centers. This agreement follows Min Aung Hlaing’s first official visit to Malaysia since the 2021 coup.

To date, approximately 10,493 Myanmar citizens and personnel have been returned via flights and naval vessels. The repatriation process involves identity verification and criminal record checks. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim defended the policy, stating that Malaysia cannot host undocumented foreign nationals indefinitely and that Myanmar must take responsibility for its citizens.

Human rights organizations and the UNHCR have expressed significant concern regarding these returns. Critics argue that the volatile security situation and ongoing civil war in Myanmar could expose returnees to persecution, forced military conscription, and instability. It remains unclear if the repatriated groups include members of the persecuted Rohingya minority.