1,476 Myanmar Nationals To Be Voluntarily Repatriated On Sept 29

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 27 (Bernama) – A total of 1,476 eligible Myanmar nationals who agreed to return home will be sent back on Sept 29 under the first phase of the Voluntary Repatriation Programme.

The Home Ministry (KDN) said in a statement today that these individuals are part of a group of 5,000 who will undergo phased voluntary repatriation agreed by the Myanmar Government.

"This programme will be carried out safely, responsibly, and in accordance with procedures mutually agreed upon with the Myanmar Government," said the statement.

"The date was agreed during a coordination meeting involving the Home Ministry, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Security Council, and Ministry of Defence after taking into account logistical requirements," the statement read.

KDN said the repatriation process will use two warships and a hospital ship belonging to the Myanmar Navy.

"The Home Ministry will continue to identify individuals who are eligible and agree to return voluntarily," the statement added.

KDN said over 95 per cent of refugees in the country come from Myanmar, including ethnic Rohingya, Chin, Karen, and Mon.

"Therefore, this solution cannot be undertaken unilaterally.

"The MADANI Government is actively engaging in direct diplomatic negotiations with the Myanmar Government to ensure the repatriation process is executed in an orderly, dignified manner and agreed upon by both nations," said the statement.

Meanwhile, KDN said the Refugee Registration Document Programme (DPP) will be extended to all undocumented migrants outside Immigration Detention Depots, including United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cardholders and individuals claiming refugee status.

The registration will be made mandatory to enable the government to obtain complete and accurate biometric and personal data for monitoring, control and enforcement purposes in the interest of national security, it said.

“Individuals who meet the requirements and pass the DPP registration process will be issued a DPP Card, allowing them to stay temporarily, subject to conditions, controls and monitoring set by the government.

“The data can subsequently be used for monitoring, enforcement and planning for management and durable solutions, including repatriation to their countries of origin when conditions permit,” it said.

The ministry added that so far, 4,008 Myanmar nationals, mainly from the Rohingya community, are to be registered under the DPP, while authorities are verifying 10,388 Myanmar nationals currently held at Immigration Detention Depots.

-- BERNAMA