JAKARTA - The International Organization for Migration and the European Union said on June 16 that their joint regional programme had assisted 8,000 Rohingya and other vulnerable migrants across South-East Asia over six years, according to IOM’s Asia-Pacific office.
The programme has supported Rohingya and other vulnerable migrants in countries including Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. IOM said the work included direct assistance, referrals, case management and support for people who often have limited access to services in countries of transit or destination.
In Thailand, IOM said the programme supported Rohingya children living in shelters through medical care, counselling and recreational activities. It also said the programme helped vulnerable migrants access basic services and protection support through cooperation with governments, civil society groups and local service providers.
“This long-standing programme reflects IOM's commitment to protect lives and uphold human dignity,” said Iori Kato, IOM Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific.
Rohingya refugees and other migrants continue to move through Southeast Asia by land and sea, with Malaysia and Indonesia among common destination or disembarkation countries. Thailand also remains important as a transit and shelter location.
The pressure on that corridor has increased. UNHCR said on April 17 that 2025 was the deadliest year on record for Rohingya maritime movements in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal, with nearly 900 Rohingya refugees reported dead or missing.
More than 6,500 Rohingya attempted sea crossings in 2025, according to UNHCR.
The agency said more than 2,800 Rohingya undertook sea journeys between January and April 13, 2026, with boats typically departing from Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh or Rakhine State in Myanmar toward Indonesia or Malaysia.