Kuala lumpur: A total of 1,476 eligible Myanmar nationals who agreed to return home will be repatriated on September 29 under the first phase of the Voluntary Repatriation Programme. The Home Ministry (KDN) announced this as part of a larger effort to send home 5,000 individuals through phased voluntary repatriation, which has been coordinated with the Myanmar Government.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Home Ministry emphasized that this programme will be executed safely, responsibly, and in compliance with mutually agreed procedures. Coordination for the repatriation process involved multiple government bodies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Security Council, and Ministry of Defence, particularly considering logistical needs. The repatriation will employ two warships and a hospital ship from the Myanmar Navy.

Further, KDN will continue to identify individuals eligible and willing for voluntary return. Presently, over 95 percent of refugees in the country originate from Myanmar, comprising ethnic groups such as the Rohingya, Chin, Karen, and Mon.

The statement highlighted the importance of bilateral engagement, noting, "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."

Additionally, the Home Ministry announced the extension of the Refugee Registration Document Programme (DPP) to all undocumented migrants outside Immigration Detention Depots, including UNHCR cardholders and those claiming refugee status. Registration will be mandatory, enabling the government to gather comprehensive biometric and personal data for national security purposes.

Individuals who fulfill the criteria and pass DPP registration will receive a DPP Card, allowing temporary stay under specified conditions. The collected data will assist in monitoring, enforcement, and planning for eventual repatriation when conditions improve. Currently, 4,008 Myanmar nationals, primarily from the Rohingya community, are set to register under the DPP, while authorities are verifying 10,388 Myanmar nationals in Immigration Detention Depots.