Malaysia has begun returning Rohingya refugees to Myanmar, with around 1,500 people set to be sent back in the first phase, according to Al Jazeera, despite warnings over their safety.
Key facts
- Malaysia has begun sending Rohingya refugees back to Myanmar, according to Al Jazeera.
- About 1,500 refugees are to be returned in the first phase.
- The move has drawn criticism from rights groups.
- The returns are proceeding despite warnings over the refugees' safety.
Malaysia has started returning Rohingya refugees to Myanmar, according to Al Jazeera, in a move that has been criticised by rights groups concerned for the returnees’ safety.
About 1,500 refugees are to be sent back in the first phase of the process, Al Jazeera reported. The report describes the returns as going ahead despite safety warnings.
The reporting emphasises that the returns are taking place amid criticism from rights groups, who have raised concerns about sending the refugees back to Myanmar.
Al Jazeera’s coverage, published on 29 September 2026, frames the development as the beginning of a phased process, with the figure of roughly 1,500 refugees cited for the initial stage.
Beyond the first-phase figure and the stated criticism from rights groups, further details on the timeline, destinations within Myanmar, or the conditions of the returns were not provided in the available reporting.
The situation remains one that rights organisations are watching closely, given the safety warnings referenced in the coverage of the returns.
Why it matters
The return of refugees to a country they fled raises serious questions about their safety and the obligations of host nations. For readers, the case highlights the tension between national migration policies and international concerns over the protection of vulnerable populations.
Frequently asked questions
How many Rohingya refugees is Malaysia sending back?
According to Al Jazeera, about 1,500 refugees are to be sent back in the first phase.
Why is the return controversial?
The returns have drawn criticism from rights groups and are proceeding despite safety warnings, according to Al Jazeera.
When did the returns begin?
Al Jazeera reported on the returns on 29 September 2026, describing Malaysia as having begun the process.