Under the guidance of the Government of Myanmar, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has placed great emphasis on providing necessary consular assistance through Myanmar Embassies and Consulates-General to assist in the rescue and repatriation of Myanmar nationals facing difficulties abroad for various reasons.
In this regard, the Government of Myanmar, in close coordination with the Government of Malaysia repatriated 1,086 verified Myanmar nationals who had been detained at the Malaysian Immigration detention camps and faced difficulties following the completion of their respective sentences due to their illegal stay and violation of the immigration regulations. The repatriation was carried out by Myanmar Navy vessels on humanitarian grounds on 23 February 2021.
Moreover, through close coordination between the two Governments, 70 Myanmar fishermen who had been detained in Port Blair, India, for illegally entering Indian territorial waters were repatriated to Myanmar on 11 March 2021 aboard the Myanmar Navy vessel UMS Tabinshwehti.
From January to September 2026, a total of 1,905 Myanmar nationals who encountered difficulties in Cambodia, were repatriated to Myanmar through various means of transportation including, Tatmadaw aircraft, chartered flights operated by MAI and AirAsia. In addition,a total of 26 Myanmar fishermen, who were detained in Port Blair in India for illegally entering Indian territorial waters were repatriated to Myanmar by Myanmar Airways International (MAI) on 23 July 2026.
The necessary national verification process for Myanmar nationals was conducted in close coordination with relevant Ministries for those who had completed their sentences due to their illegal stay and violation of immigration regulations but remained in the immigration detention camps. Following the verification process, 8,041 Myanmar nationals were repatriated to Myanmar by air on a weekly basis. Moreover, 1,476 verified Myanmar nationals who could not afford airfare were repatriated aboard Myanmar Navy vessels, namely UMS Mottama, UMS Thanlwin and UMS Sinphyushin, and they arrived safely in Myanmar today.
As the Government is currently making efforts to create new employment opportunities within the country, Myanmar nationals will have greater opportunities to contribute to enhancing national productivity by engaging in various economic sectors such as agriculture, livestock and breeding, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), thereby enabling them to achieve dignified, safe and secure livelihood.
Therefore, Myanmar nationals who wish to seek employment abroad are advised to exercise caution and not be easily persuaded by the inducements and promises of the human traffickers. They are also urged to avoid leaving the country illegally through unauthorized border crossing and to remain vigilant against the risks of human trafficking.
Regardless of the circumstances, the Government has demonstrated its profound concern for the well-being of Myanmar nationals residing abroad and provided them with necessary assistance whenever they encounter difficulties.
Therefore, Myanmar nationals residing abroad who encounter any difficulties are encouraged to contact Myanmar Embassies and Consulates-General. Necessary arrangements will be made, in coordination with the authorities of the respective countries, to facilitate their safe return to Myanmar at the earliest possible opportunity.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Nay Pyi Taw
Dated: 4 October 2026
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