Myanmar offers maritime repatriation of 5,000 refugees in Malaysia; Sweden closes its embassy in Yangon

Myanmar offers maritime repatriation for 5,000 refugees

Malaysia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Monday that Burma’s military regime has expressed willingness to repatriate 5,000 refugees by ship. Mohamad Hasan emphasized that while Malaysia has identified the initial group, any transfer remains strictly contingent on comprehensive safety and security guarantees. This represents a shift from the regime’s previous reluctance to accept refugees from Malaysia.

The repatriation was discussed at an “informal” meeting between Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers and regime Foreign Minister Tin Maung Swe on July 12. “They stated their willingness to bring back these 5,000 refugees by ship. But the issue is the safety of these 5,000 people—will they be safe when we send them back? What will happen to them?” Mohamad Hasan asked.