Malaysia starts return of 1,476 Myanmar nationals amid UN safety warnings
The first phase is part of a process that could return up to 5,000 people. Malaysian authorities describe it as voluntary, while UNHCR says conditions in Myanmar do not support safe and sustainable returns.
Malaysia has begun the first phase of returning 1,476 Myanmar nationals under an arrangement with Myanmar’s military authorities. The broader process could involve as many as 5,000 people.
Malaysian authorities say the returns are voluntary. The available information does not establish how consent was assessed or whether each person agreed freely.
The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, says conditions in Myanmar do not support safe and sustainable refugee returns. It also says it was not involved in the agreement with Malaysia.
Rights advocates warn that people sent back could face persecution, detention or forced military recruitment. These are stated risks, not confirmed outcomes for this group.
Myanmar has been in civil war since the 2021 military coup. UNHCR estimates about 193,000 refugees from Myanmar are in Malaysia, roughly two-thirds of them Rohingya; the 1,476 people in this return phase are identified as Myanmar nationals.
