Deported Myanmar Nationals From Malaysia Face Conscription Risks and Detention Upon Return

Hundreds of Myanmar nationals recently deported from detention centers in Malaysia remain unable to return home as their families fear they could be forcibly conscripted into the military junta, according to returnees' relatives.

Under a bilateral agreement between the military regime and the Malaysian government, a first batch of 1,476 Myanmar nationals was repatriated aboard three junta naval vessels, arriving at Yangon’s Thilawa Port on October 4.

Upon arrival, junta authorities transferred the deportees to temporary detention facilities in Thanlyin, Hlaingthaya, and Dawbon townships for issuing Unique Identification (UID) cards—biometric smart cards containing personal data. Returnees have been barred from using mobile phones and restricted from meeting family members.

Concerns among relatives have mounted as the junta interrogates select deportees over alleged ties to resistance organizations, including the Arakan Army (AA).

"He has been in Yangon for days, but he still hasn't been allowed to return home," said a family member of one returnee. "The junta collected all their personal details under the guise of issuing UID cards. With ongoing fighting, we are terrified they will be drafted into the military."

While 198 deportees originally from Mon State have been allowed to reunite with their families, their personal records were fully cataloged by authorities before release, leaving them vulnerable to future conscription calls.

Human rights advocates, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) have urged Malaysia to immediately halt forced repatriations, citing ongoing conflict and war crimes in Myanmar.

Despite international appeals, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim confirmed on October 8 that Kuala Lumpur will proceed with deporting approximately 3,500 additional Myanmar nationals currently held in Malaysian detention centers.