Mixed Migration Review 2025
Migration in the context of geopolitical turmoil
Quarterly Mixed Migration Update
Photo: Aïssatou Sy / IOM 2023
Asia and the Pacific, Quarter 4, 2025
Quarterly Mixed Migration Update (QMMU)
October- December 2025
The core countries of focus for this region are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Australia. Depending on the quarterly trends more attention may be given to any of the countries over the rest.
Key Updates
- At least 29 dead in boat capsizing off Thailand-Malaysia border as maritime journeys peak to 5,300 people (Rohingya refugees) in 2025: a boat carrying around 70 people capsized near Langkawi in November, with only 14 survivors reported. The 70 individuals were reportedly part of a larger group of 300, mainly comprised of Rohingya, who departed from Rakhine state. It is feared that the remaining 230 individuals are also missing.
- Regional climate disasters displace 1.2 million people: Intensified monsoons and cyclones across Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam affected over 11 million people, triggering large‑scale displacement and heightened protection vulnerabilities.
- Malaysia to launch DPP system on 1 January 2026: The Malaysian Government’s Refugee Registration Document (DPP) system is scheduled to begin registration in immigration detention facilities at the start of 2026. Civil society groups warn of associated detention risks, data governance concerns, and potential enforcement implications.
- Cambodia-Thailand conflict causes displacement and humanitarian concerns: The clashes, which recommenced in December, have caused renewed displacement in both countries, with concerns about overcrowding and illness in makeshift shelters.
- Pakistan orders the closure of all Afghan refugee camps: The Pakistan government announced it would close 54 Afghan refugee camps, many of which have been operating for decades. Amid these closures, efforts to demolish Afghan settlements and forcibly evict Afghans intensified during this quarter.
- Germany offers cash settlements to stop Afghans from settling in Germany, while reneging on earlier resettlement commitments: In November, the German government started offering Afghans awaiting relocation to Germany payments ranging from 2,500 to 10,000 euros in return for withdrawing their applications to go to Germany. A further announcement in December revoked the resettlement promises made to around 640 Afghans whose admission applications were made under human rights grounds.
The QMMUs offer an update on new trends and dynamics related to mixed migration and relevant policy developments in the region. These updates are based on a compilation of a wide range of secondary (data) sources, brought together within a regional framework and applying a mixed migration analytical lens. Similar QMMUs are available for all MMC regions.
Interested in other Quarterly Updates?
Explore mixed migration trends and policy developments compiled through diverse secondary sources.
Related Resources
Asia and the Pacific
Explore mixed migration trends, data and analysis — and learn more about MMC research across the region.
