Three dozen repatriated from Malaysia as process hits more snags

Thousands of Myanmar workers languish in Malaysia’s notorious detention centres for months and even years awaiting citizenship documents from the Myanmar government. Some have overstayed their visa, while others immigrated without any documents to begin with. Stranded in the squalid facilities where they have little contact with the outside world, they must rely on civil society groups to help connect them with the embassy.

The lengthy wait appears to be a Myanmar-specific quandary, as detainees from other countries stay in the facilities for at most a handful of weeks before being repatriated, according to groups assisting the Myanmar workers. Many hoped the new government might expedite the process.

Last week, the floodgates briefly opened and 34 Myanmar workers were repatriated on April 22, according to the Yadana Setka Free Funeral Service Organization of Joho Township, which assists migrants in the Parka Narnat Camp. (Courtesy of Myanmar Times)