Myanmar Recognises 309,000 Rohingya Refugees as Former Rakhine Residents

Myanmar’s government has for the first time officially recognised almost 309,000 Rohingya refugees currently in Bangladesh as former residents of Rakhine State. The government also stated it will allow them to return once security conditions in the conflict-affected region improve.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar revealed that 308,975 refugees have been verified as former residents of Rakhine. This step is considered a significant development in the long-running effort to repatriate ethnic Rohingya from refugee camps in Bangladesh.

“Myanmar will accept the displaced refugees, who have been verified as former residents of Rakhine State, after the security situation in Rakhine State becomes more stable,” the ministry said in an official statement.

Although this recognition offers a glimmer of hope, the repatriation process on the ground still faces major challenges. Previous attempts by Bangladesh and Myanmar to begin returns have repeatedly failed. To date, no large-scale repatriation has taken place due to deep concerns over security guarantees, citizenship status, and the fulfilment of basic rights for the refugees.

The situation in Rakhine State itself remains highly complex. The repatriation process is further complicated by ongoing fighting between Myanmar’s military and the Arakan Army, an armed group that now controls most of the state.

The Rohingya, a predominantly Muslim minority group, have long suffered systematic discrimination, persecution, and statelessness in Myanmar. Since 2017, hundreds of thousands have fled the country following repressive military actions accompanied by violence and attacks by various armed groups.

Data shows that more than 1.3 million Rohingya have sought protection in neighbouring Bangladesh. Meanwhile, thousands of others continue to make dangerous sea journeys to other countries, including Indonesia and Malaysia, in search of safety.

The Bangladeshi government maintains that repatriation must be voluntary, safe, and sustainable. On the other hand, Rohingya refugees are demanding concrete guarantees of citizenship and basic rights before they are willing to return to their homeland.