Myanmar recognizes 308.975 Rohingya in Bangladesh for return
Repatriation will not reopen until security in Rakhine improves, with citizenship and basic rights still central conditions.
Myanmar for the first time recognized 308.975 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh as former residents of Rakhine State and said they could be returned when security conditions improve. The move marks a significant development in repeated but failed efforts to repatriate them. No timetable has been set for a large-scale return. The process remains stalled by concerns over security, citizenship and the fulfillment of basic rights for the Rohingya. Conditions in Rakhine also remain unstable because of fighting between Myanmar's military and the Arakan Army, which controls much of the region. More than 1,3 million Rohingya are now sheltering in Bangladesh. Dhaka has demanded that repatriation be voluntary, safe and sustainable, while refugees are seeking security guarantees and citizenship status before returning.