{
  "id": 16835744,
  "title": "Refugees with DPP cards to get conditional access to jobs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/28/refugees-with-dpp-cards-to-get-conditional-access-to-jobs",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-28T02:42:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/1565196/refugees-dpp-cards-get-conditional-access-jobs"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malaysia has introduced conditional employment opportunities for refugees holding the Refugee Registration Document (DPP) card, as announced by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. This measure aims to replace the need for importing new foreign workers, aligning with the 13th Malaysia Plan's goal of reducing reliance on foreign labor. Saifuddin emphasized this during a parliamentary reply to Sivakumar Varatharaju Naidu (PH-Batu Gajah), addressing Malaysia's strategic framework for Rohingya refugees in balancing humanitarian, security, and socioeconomic responsibilities under regional and international mechanisms. He clarified that social services for refugees would not impact services for Malaysian citizens, with healthcare based on insurance or personal payments, and refugee children receiving education through private institutions. Refugees and asylum seekers are governed by the National Security Council Directive No. 23 (Revised 2023), managed by 20 ministries and agencies. The Immigration Department collects biometric data for official records during the DPP registration process, initiated on January 1 to assess refugee status for UNHCR cardholders and asylum seekers. Currently in Phase 1, the program focuses on immigration detention centers, where 4,008 detainees have been identified as potentially eligible for temporary protection. Of these, 78 Rohingya refugees at the Bidor refugee isolation center in Perak have been approved for refugee status under the program. DPP cardholders, valid in Malaysia except Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan, must renew their passes annually and adhere to controlled movement within designated zones. Should they commit crimes or violate pass conditions, they face resettlement, return to origin, or expulsion.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Refugees holding the Refugee Registration Document (DPP) card will be given conditional access to formal employment.",
  "key_points": [
    "Malaysia introduces conditional job access for refugees with DPP cards.",
    "Aim to reduce reliance on foreign workers per 13th Malaysia Plan.",
    "78 Rohingya refugees approved for program in Bidor center."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}