Myanmar Government Claims Over 300,000 Rohingya Eligible for Repatriation
Myanmar's military-backed government claims over 300,000 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh are verified former residents of Rakhine state and are eligible for repatriation once security improves. This statement comes as the Rohingya refugee crisis enters its ninth year, with many still…
Fort Myers Naples, FL, August 15, 2026 —
Myanmar’s military-backed government has stated that over 300,000 Rohingya refugees currently residing in camps in Bangladesh have been verified as former residents of Myanmar’s Rakhine state and are eligible for repatriation. The announcement comes as the Rohingya refugee crisis reaches its ninth year.
According to the government’s verification process, 308,797 individuals have been identified as former Rakhine residents. However, the status of 113,507 individuals could not be verified. Additionally, 4,241 individuals were reportedly linked to terrorist activities.
The Rohingya people began fleeing Myanmar in large numbers in 2017, primarily to Bangladesh, to escape military crackdowns. Many continue to live in refugee camps in Bangladesh, with repatriation efforts stalled.
Plans for repatriation have been significantly hindered by ongoing instability within Myanmar. This includes the army takeover in February 2021 and subsequent widespread conflicts across the country. The government indicated that repatriation can only proceed once security conditions are improved.
The number of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, the ongoing challenges to their return, and the verification process remain critical aspects of this protracted humanitarian situation.
Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.
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