{
  "id": 19735677,
  "title": "Zahid says second phase of refugee registration programme could roll out soon for UNHCR cardholders",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/zahid-says-second-phase-of-refugee-registration-programme-could-roll",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-13T01:11:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/11/13/zahid-says-second-phase-of-refugee-registration-programme-could-roll-out-soon-for-unhcr-cardholders/243035"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, has announced that the second phase of the Refugee Registration Document (DPP) programme may be launched soon, aimed at United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cardholders residing outside Immigration Detention Depots (DTIs). Currently, the programme is still in its initial phase, which targets individuals held at DTIs. Zahid also highlighted that the government is assessing the imposition of movement controls on these groups, taking into account national security and sovereignty concerns alongside human rights.\n\nIn response to a question from Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim (PN-Arau), Zahid stated that refugees primarily enter Malaysia through syndicate networks at land and sea borders, rather than through authorized or gazetted International Entry Points. The government is intensifying efforts to bolster National Security Council (MKN) Directive No. 23, which outlines the policy and mechanism for the management of refugees and asylum seekers (2023 Revision), signed by the Prime Minister on June 14, 2023.\n\nAdditionally, Zahid emphasized that joint operations involving security agencies, enforcement bodies, and local authorities are being conducted to address violations by foreign migrants, including those involved in gang-related activities. He mentioned that the implementation of the DPP for registration purposes, combined with integrated operations by security and enforcement agencies, is anticipated to prevent negative influences that attempt to manipulate existing communities.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 — The government is expected to launch the second phase of the Refugee Registration Document...",
  "key_points": [
    "Second phase of Refugee Registration Document programme may launch soon for UNHCR cardholders.",
    "Programme currently in initial phase targeting DTI residents; movement controls under assessment.",
    "Foreign migrants, including gang-related individuals, targeted in joint security operations."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Expanding the registration programme to refugees outside detention centers signals a shift toward tighter administrative oversight and movement controls to better manage national security and border integrity.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "2nd phase of refugee registration programme to begin soon",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/2nd-phase-of-refugee-registration-programme-to-begin-soon",
        "published": "2026-11-13T01:17:08.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}