Malaysia has begun repatriating Myanmar nationals, according to multiple outlets, marking the start of an effort to send back approximately 1,500 migrants as part of a larger plan covering 5,000 people, according to Arab News.
Dozens of buses arrived under police escort at the Majlis Perbandaran Manjung stadium near the Lumut naval base in northwestern Malaysia, according to CNA. Migrants were expected to be processed at the site before being transported to Myanmar by ship, according to CNA.
Rights groups have raised concerns about the safety of those being returned, according to Reuters, BBC News and Arab News. BBC News and Reuters both described the repatriation as controversial or occurring despite safety concerns.
The Economist reported that those being sent back include Rohingya, a detail not specified by other outlets.
How each side covered it
Left
- The Economist noted that the repatriation effort specifically involves Rohingya migrants.
“Malaysia begins repatriating Rohingya” — The Economist
Center
- BBC News and Reuters both described the repatriation as controversial or proceeding despite safety concerns.
- Arab News reported the initial group numbers about 1,500 people, part of a plan to repatriate 5,000 in total.
- CNA and The Straits Times reported buses arrived under police escort at a stadium near the Lumut naval base.
- CNA reported migrants would be processed before being taken to Myanmar by ship.
“Malaysia begins sending home Myanmar refugees despite safety concerns” — Reuters
Questions readers ask
What is happening with Myanmar migrants in Malaysia?
Malaysia has begun repatriating Myanmar nationals, with an initial group of about 1,500 people as part of a larger effort to send back 5,000 migrants, according to Arab News.
Why are rights groups concerned about the repatriation?
Rights groups have raised concerns about the safety of migrants once they return to Myanmar, according to Reuters, BBC News and Arab News, though the sources do not detail the specific risks cited.
How are the migrants being transported?
Buses under police escort brought migrants to a stadium near the Lumut naval base in northwestern Malaysia for processing, after which they were expected to be taken to Myanmar by ship, according to CNA.
Does the repatriation include Rohingya migrants?
The Economist reported that the repatriation includes Rohingya, though other outlets described the group more broadly as Myanmar migrants or refugees without specifying ethnicity.
Sources · 8 outlet reports
- Associated PressLeft-leaningMalaysia begins Myanmar repatriations despite safety warnings by UN and rights groups
- The EconomistLeft-leaningMalaysia begins repatriating Rohingya
- Arab NewsCenterMalaysia starts sending Myanmar migrants home
- BBC NewsCenterMalaysia begins controversial repatriation of asylum seekers to Myanmar
- CNACenterMalaysia starts sending Myanmar migrants home
- ReutersCenterMalaysia begins sending home Myanmar refugees despite safety concerns
- South China Morning PostCenterMalaysia begins sending thousands of Myanmar nationals back to war-torn homeland
- The Straits TimesCenterBuses seen under police escort as Malaysia starts sending Myanmar migrants home