Malaysia has finalized the initial phase of a voluntary repatriation program to send 5,000 eligible Myanmar refugees back to Myanmar in stages, starting with 1,476 individuals on September 29, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]. The Myanmar government identified the first 1,476 nationals by Diplomatic Note No. 649/47 01(2026) dated August 13, 2026 [3, 5, 6, 7].
The repatriation transport will use two Myanmar Navy warships and one hospital ship to return the refugees safely [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]. The Malaysian Home Ministry said the program "will be carried out safely, responsibly, and in accordance with procedures mutually agreed upon with the Myanmar Government" [2].
As of August 15, 2026, Malaysia reported 10,388 Myanmar nationals held in immigration detention depots, though not all have refugee status [1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]. Malaysia’s Immigration Department is verifying detainees' identities, nationalities, immigration status, refugee claims, and security backgrounds. This process and the registration under the Refugee Registration Document (DPP) programme are expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2026 [1, 3, 5, 6, 7].
About 4,008 Myanmar individuals, mainly ethnic Rohingya, will be channeled into the DPP programme this year to allow monitoring and management by authorities [1, 4, 5, 6, 7]. Registered individuals receive a card allowing them temporary stay within government conditions [6, 7].
More than 95% of refugees in Malaysia originate from Myanmar, including ethnic Rohingya, Chin, Karen, and Mon groups [2]. Malaysia hosts over 215,000 refugees registered with the UNHCR, with more than 126,000 being Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, the largest Rohingya community in Southeast Asia [4].
Malaysia’s Home Ministry plans a two-pronged approach: to continue negotiations with the Myanmar government on phased repatriation while expanding DPP registration to undocumented migrants, refugee cardholders, and self-claimed refugees, with mandatory registration [6, 7].
Malaysian officials emphasized the repatriation will only proceed if it is voluntary and conducted safely. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said Malaysia "will not return the 5,000 Myanmar refugees if they would either be persecuted or their lives would be threatened" [4]. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan added Malaysia prioritizes refugee safety and welfare, stressing verification with UNHCR and security checks are essential before return [5].
The first phase scheduled for September 29 marks a concrete step in Malaysia’s plan to manage and reduce the population of Myanmar nationals detained in the country while ensuring returns are orderly and safe [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7].
