Malaysia to send back 1,476 Myanmar nationals in first voluntary repatriation wave

Malaysia's Home Ministry announced that 1,476 Myanmar nationals will be flown back on two warships and a hospital ship on Sept. 29, beginning the first phase of a voluntary repatriation scheme covering 5,000 eligible individuals. The list was compiled by Myanmar's government, and the return follows an agreement between the two nations. At the time of the announcement, 10,388 Myanmar nationals were detained in immigration facilities, with officials targeting full identity and claim verification before the end of the year.

In parallel, the government is introducing a Refugee Registration Document that supersedes the UNHCR-managed registration, granting biometric-linked cards to eligible detainees and undocumented migrants for temporary stay under monitoring conditions. Malaysia hosts a large refugee population, with 215,600 registered with UNHCR, most of them from Myanmar. Rights groups warn the new system could heighten surveillance without stronger legal safeguards. The ministry argues the reform will avert a demographic crisis, bolster security, curb the informal economy, and protect local citizens' interests.