Fewer resettlement options leave refugees in Malaysia longer
KUALA LUMPUR: Refugees in Malaysia can leave the country through repatriation to their countries of origin if they have valid travel documents, resettlement in a third country or deportation for violating immigration laws or committing crimes.
KUALA LUMPUR - Refugees in Malaysia are experiencing prolonged stays due to limited resettlement options, according to a Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Human Rights, Elections and Institutional Reform. The conflict in Myanmar and reduced resettlement quotas in third countries have contributed to this issue. William Leong, chairman of the committee, discussed refugee management policies and challenges with the Home Ministry on November 25, 2025.
Malaysia is not a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol, and refugees are not specifically recognized under the Immigration Act 1959/63. The committee's report outlines nine recommendations for improving refugee management, including a transparent, integrated, and auditable mechanism to verify identities and determine refugee status.
The committee also emphasized the need for a dedicated refugee healthcare policy and monitoring refugees' access to employment.
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