PUTRAJAYA: Myanmar is prepared to facilitate the repatriation of its nationals on a large scale, with the country ready to bear the associated costs, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said 10,493 Myanmar citizens and personnel had so far been repatriated via flights and naval ships, with further repatriation to be negotiated between Malaysia’s Home Ministry and its Myanmar counterpart.
Anwar said Malaysia appreciated Myanmar’s willingness to accept its nationals, noting that few countries were prepared to undertake repatriation in such large numbers at their own expense.
“Very, very few, hardly any countries in my experience, are willing to accept this repatriation in large numbers at their own expense, as you have shown in Myanmar,” the Prime Minister said during a joint press conference yesterday alongside Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing, who is on a two-day official visit, Bernama reported.
Anwar said the remaining Myanmar nationals would be repatriated according to the stipulated rules and procedures, subject to verification of their records.
Anwar said Min Aung Hlaing had also indicated that between 3,000 and 4,000 Myanmar nationals currently at immigration depots would be repatriated.
He also said relevant authorities would need to verify nationalities and personal records, including any criminal history, before completing the process.
He thanked Myanmar for its cooperation, especially in facilitating the return of its nationals.
“I must again reiterate my thanks for your candid manner and willingness to collaborate,” Anwar said.
The two leaders discussed several key issues, focusing on efforts to repatriate undocumented Myanmar nationals of all ethnic groups on a voluntary, dignified and safe basis.
