On Tuesday, September 29, a total of 1,476 Burmese citizens departed Malaysia by sea, traveling on three vessels operated by the Burmese navy. This movement represents the first stage of a bilateral agreement between Malaysia and Myanmar to repatriate a total of 5,000 Burmese individuals currently detained in Malaysian immigration centers. The agreement aims to return those who are believed to be undocumented or in legal limbo, though the exact number of Rohingyas among those repatriated has not been disclosed. The Malaysian government claims that the individuals returning to Myanmar have done so voluntarily. However, this assertion is being challenged by human rights groups, who argue that the process lacks transparency and has not included independent oversight. Mahi Ramakrishnan, founder of the refugee advocacy group Beyond Borders Malaysia, expressed concerns about the repatriation process in The South China Morning Post, stating that there has been no verification of who is being repatriated. She emphasized that the process has been conducted without the involvement of key organizations, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Malaysian Human Rights Commission, and civil society groups. Ramakrishnan highlighted that many of those being repatriated may not have wished to return to Myanmar, citing fears about safety and the protection of their rights in the country. The lack of guarantees regarding their future in Myanmar has raised serious concerns among advocates and human rights organizations. These groups argue that the absence of international oversight and independent verification undermines the legitimacy of the repatriation process and may put vulnerable individuals at risk. The repatriation agreement has sparked a broader debate about the rights of migrants and refugees, as well as the role of international bodies in ensuring their protection. Critics argue that without clear safeguards and transparency, the process could expose returning individuals to potential harm or discrimination. As the repatriation continues, the international community is closely watching to assess whether the agreement will uphold the rights and dignity of those involved.