Malaysia’s Home Ministry began screening about 4,000 Myanmar nationals detained in immigration depots as part of preparations to repatriate some 5,000 Rohingya refugees following Myanmar’s agreement to accept their return [1, 2, 3].
The screening process involves identifying, documenting, and tracing detainees through the Refugee Registration Document (DPP) system. This includes security screening and determining refugee status. The Home Ministry leads the effort with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Immigration Department assisting throughout [1, 4, 2, 3].
Currently, Malaysia holds approximately 22,000 detainees in 19 immigration depots nationwide, including 4,000 Myanmar nationals earmarked for repatriation screening. These detainees will be moved to a single detention center to streamline documentation, security checks, and coordination among agencies [1, 4, 2, 3].
At the end of screening, each individual will receive official documents confirming their refugee status before repatriation proceeds according to schedule. The Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra) will oversee diplomatic coordination and communication with Myanmar for the next phases after screening completion [1, 4, 2, 3].
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said, "Screening will be conducted by the police [PDRM] and the Immigration Department of Malaysia. At the end of the process, individuals will receive a decision on their refugee status and documents will be issued to confirm their status" [1]. He added, "The Home Ministry is the lead agency in implementing the registration of the Refugee Identification Document in the process of tracing, identifying and screening detainees in the depots. At the end of the process, the detainees will be granted refugee status and issued confirmation documents before Wisma Putra and the relevant country complete the subsequent procedures" [2].
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced on July 29 that Myanmar agreed to accept the return of 5,000 Rohingya refugees currently in Malaysia after diplomatic negotiations and strong bilateral ties [1, 4, 3]. He said the deal marked a first step toward addressing the issue and maintaining public order. [1, 4, 3]
On July 30, Home Ministry officials commenced the identification and screening process to prepare for repatriation [1, 3].
The exact individuals to be repatriated will be finalized after the screening and verification process concludes. The government has committed to coordinating the repatriation carefully and diplomatically with Myanmar [1, 2, 3].
