KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Home Affairs Ministry announced the commencement of a programme to return a group of Myanmar nationals to their country of origin. The operation, which began this week, includes individuals identified as Rohingya refugees who have been residing in Malaysia for several years.
Malaysia’s decision follows a series of internal policy reviews that classified many of the migrants as illegal entrants rather than refugees. Officials said the repatriation is intended to enforce immigration laws and to curb what they describe as a growing number of undocumented migrants in the country.
The United Nations and several non‑governmental organisations have publicly cautioned that returning Rohingya to Myanmar could expose them to serious human‑rights violations, including arbitrary detention, torture and possible persecution. In statements released after the deportations began, UN representatives reiterated the need for any repatriation to be voluntary, safe and dignified, and called on Malaysia to ensure that these standards are met.
Human‑rights groups in Malaysia have also expressed concern, arguing that the deportations contravene international protection obligations. They have urged the government to halt the process until thorough assessments of individual risk can be carried out and adequate safeguards put in place.
The Malaysian authorities, however, maintain that the individuals being sent back have been screened and that the process complies with both domestic law and international agreements. A spokesperson for the Home Affairs Ministry said that each case is reviewed on a “case‑by‑case” basis and that the government is prepared to cooperate with relevant UN agencies to monitor the situation.
The move comes at a time when regional migration flows remain high, with many fleeing ongoing conflict and persecution in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. Malaysia has historically been a key destination for Rohingya seeking safety, offering temporary shelter and work opportunities despite lacking formal refugee status.
International observers will be watching closely to see whether the repatriations proceed without incident and whether Malaysia adjusts its approach in response to the warnings issued by the UN and civil‑society groups.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Al Jazeera — All News — original source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/29/malaysia-begins-returning-myanmar-nationals-despite-safety-warnings?traffic_source=rss.