PUTRAJAYA, Aug 27 — Approximately 1,476 eligible Myanmar nationals who agreed to return home will be sent back on September 29 under the first phase of the Voluntary Repatriation Programme.
The Home Ministry (KDN) said 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.
"The date was agreed during a coordination meeting involving the Home Ministry, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Security Council, and the Ministry of Defence after taking into account logistical requirements," it said in a statement today.
KDN added that 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," it 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," KDN said.
Meanwhile, the Refugee Registration Document Programme (DPP) will be extended to all undocumented migrants outside Immigration Detention Depots, including United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees cardholders and individuals claiming refugee status.
It will be mandatory, enabling the government to obtain complete and accurate biometric and personal data for monitoring, control, and enforcement purposes in the interest of national security.
“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.
KDN noted 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.
