Refugees face security concerns over Malaysia’s temporary suspension of UNHCR registration

The Malaysian government’s directive to temporarily suspend all United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) registration processes could increase the number of undocumented refugees and escalate security risks, said James, Chairman of the Alliance of Chin Refugees (ACR). According to a Free Malaysia Today report published on 23 July, the Malaysian Cabinet has decided to direct UNHCR to temporarily halt all refugee registrations while the government restructures its refugee management system through the Dokumen Pendaftaran Pelarian (Refugee Registration Document, DPP) programme. The report cited Malaysia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni, telling the Senate that the goal is to register and manage refugees more systematically under direct government oversight — in response to an inquiry from Senator Hussin Ismail, who sought clarification on how the government is addressing the issue of Rohingya refugees lacking Myanmar-recognized identification documents. The FMT report also cited the Deputy Minister as saying that plans are underway to deport approximately 5,000 Myanmar nationals currently held in Malaysian immigration detention centres using Malaysian navy vessels, depending on Myanmar’s readiness to receive them. James, the ACR Chairman, told Mizzima: “Difficulties will arise. If the number of undocumented people increases and they do not receive UN cards, security will be a major concern.” He added that while the government describes the suspension as temporary, it could persist long-term, potentially leading to increased arrests and legal action against refugees. “Through the DPP programme, the government can better manage identity verification, monitoring, and regulation without relying on the records of foreign organizations,” the Deputy Minister said, according to the FMT report. He added that registration under the DPP programme will be conducted in cooperation with law enforcement agencies, registering only eligible individuals to prevent illegal immigration. Malaysia is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, does not officially recognize refugees, and generally classifies them as undocumented migrants. The country is reportedly attempting to scale back UNHCR’s mandate and transition refugee data management under its own government administration. There are currently an estimated 300,000 to 400,000 Myanmar refugees in Malaysia. Most are employed in dangerous, dirty, and difficult (3D) sectors — such as construction, agriculture, factories, and cleaning services — which local citizens generally avoid.