KUALA LUMPUR – On September 29, 2026, Malaysian immigration officials transferred a number of Rohingya refugees back to Myanmar, a move that has drawn condemnation from United Nations bodies and non‑governmental organisations warning that the returnees could face renewed persecution.
The deportations were carried out at the Malaysia‑Myanmar border under a repatriation programme that the Malaysian government says is intended to address the presence of undocumented migrants. Officials indicated that the individuals involved had been residing in Malaysia without legal status and that the decision complied with national immigration regulations.
Human‑rights groups, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), have challenged the legality of the operation, citing the principle of non‑refoulement, which prohibits the return of asylum seekers to a country where they may be at risk of serious harm. UNHCR spokespersons reiterated earlier warnings that Myanmar’s military‑ruled administration continues to target Rohingya communities, and that safe and voluntary repatriation remains unachievable.
The Myanmar government, through its Ministry of Home Affairs, asserted that it would guarantee the safety of any Rohingya individuals returned to its territory, claiming that the country has taken steps to improve conditions for the minority. However, NGOs operating in Rakhine State reported that incidents of intimidation, arbitrary detention and denial of basic services persist, casting doubt on the assurances offered by the Myanmar authorities.
Malaysia’s Home Affairs Minister defended the deportations as a necessary measure to enforce immigration law and to curb illegal settlement. The minister also highlighted ongoing bilateral talks with Myanmar aimed at managing migration flows and enhancing cooperation on border security. No official comment was provided on the specific safety concerns raised by the UN and civil‑society actors.
The episode adds to a broader regional pattern of Rohingya displacement, with thousands still living in precarious conditions across Southeast Asia. Since the mass exodus that began in 2017, Malaysia has become one of the largest host countries for Rohingya refugees, many of whom lack formal protection and rely on informal networks for shelter and livelihood.
International observers note that the lack of a durable solution for the Rohingya crisis continues to strain host nations and complicate diplomatic relations. The United Nations has repeatedly called on all states to uphold international refugee law and to ensure that any repatriation is conducted voluntarily, safely and with full respect for human rights.
The latest deportations are likely to fuel further scrutiny of Malaysia’s migration policies and may prompt renewed appeals from the UN and advocacy groups for a halt to forced returns until credible guarantees of safety can be demonstrated by Myanmar.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Al Jazeera — All News — original source: https://www.aljazeera.com/video/newsfeed/2026/9/29/malaysia-sends-rohingya-back-myanmar-despite-safety-warnings?traffic_source=rss.