Rohingya with UNHCR cards not classified as undocumented migrants, says Immigration DG
KUALA LUMPUR: Rohingya refugees holding cards issued by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) are not classified as undocumented migrants and do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Immigration Department.
KUALA LUMPUR: According to Immigration Department Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban, Rohingya refugees with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cards are not considered undocumented migrants and are not under the jurisdiction of his department. UNHCR cardholders are protected from enforcement action for offenses related to travel documents or invalid passes.
Zakaria clarified that Rohingya refugees are distinct from undocumented migrants, and cannot be prosecuted for immigration offenses like overstaying or lacking valid travel documents and passes. While they are exempt from certain immigration enforcement, they remain subject to other laws enforced by various agencies. Zakaria encouraged the public to report information and complaints to aid the Immigration Department's investigation and operations targeting undocumented migrants.
He emphasized that all information and complaints will be investigated, but discouraged any actions taken by individuals without proper authorities.
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