🇲🇲🇲🇾 Myanmar Repatriation From Malaysia Begins

Three Myanmar navy vessels carrying 1,476 nationals from Malaysian immigration detention entered Myanmar waters on Oct. 1, according to state media. The group, returned after serving sentences for illegal stay and immigration violations, is expected to reach Yangon within days and is the first batch under a plan involving up to 5,000 people.

The repatriation comes as the UN says conditions in Myanmar do not support the safe and sustainable return of refugees amid the civil war triggered by the 2021 military coup. UN Special Rapporteur Kelley E. Currie urged Malaysia to halt the process and cooperate with the UN, while Kuala Lumpur maintains the returns are strictly voluntary.

Myanmar state media said the returnees received care during the voyage and will be given further assistance for resettlement. The issue is also linked to ongoing Myanmar-Malaysia talks on refugee returns ahead of Min Aung Hlaing’s reported visit to Malaysia this month.

#Myanmar #Malaysia

@asianomics