Malaysia has started repatriating 1,500 Myanmar nationals, with plans to send 5,000 in total, despite concerns from the UN and rights groups about the safety of returnees.
Kuala Lumpur has initiated the repatriation of 1,500 Myanmar nationals, with a total of 5,000 planned, as part of a government effort to address the "legacy issue" of foreign asylum-seekers. The process has drawn criticism from the UN and advocacy groups, who warn that returnees may face persecution in Myanmar, where a civil war has been ongoing since 2021.
The Malaysian government claims the repatriations are voluntary, citing a need to reduce the financial and social burden of hosting asylum-seekers. However, the UN has urged an immediate halt, citing unsafe conditions in Myanmar and the risk of human rights violations. The Rohingya, a Muslim minority group, make up two-thirds of the 190,000 Myanmar refugees and asylum seekers in Malaysia, according to the UN.
Why it matters
The repatriation may place returnees in a country where rights groups report persecution risks.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
Watch whether Kuala Lumpur continues repatriation under the same scheme as Tuesday's launch.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.