An absolutely basic fact that determines so much of the lives of refugees in Malaysia is that they have NO legal status in this country. The Malaysian government provides no legal or administrative framework for refugees, on the basis that it sees refugees as in transit, on the way to a third (resettling) country.

​

This means refugees have no right to work and children have no access to mainstream schools. Refugees are not allowed to own anything, including bank accounts, and are constantly vulnerable to harassment, extortion, arrest and detention. 

​​

As of end November 2024, there are some 192,170 refugees and asylum-seekers registered with UNHCR in Malaysia. 

 

Some 170,360 are from Myanmar, comprising some 111,410 Rohingyas, 27,840 Chins, and 31,100 other ethnic groups from conflict-affected areas or fleeing persecution in Myanmar. 

 

The remaining individuals are some 21,810 refugees and asylum-seekers from 50 countries fleeing war and persecution, including some 5,790 Pakistanis, 3,130 Yemenis, 2,810 Somalis, 2,780 Afghans, 2,680 Syrians, 1,090 Sri Lankans, 560 Palestinians, 510 Iraqis, and others. 

 

Some 65% of refugees and asylum-seekers are men, while 35% are women.

There are some 54,880 children below the age of 18.

(See latest UNHCR Figures) 

 

The Malaysian government has given the responsibility to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to register and resettle refugees, and to look after their welfare in Malaysia.  

 

But the fact is that resettlement numbers offered by third countries like USA have not been anywhere close to meet the numbers of refugees waiting in Malaysia, meaning that thousands of refugees, including families with children, have been in Malaysia for more than 10 years, some for 30 years and more. It is a fact that most refugees in Malaysia will be here for the long-term.

 

To repeat, they are not allowed to work legally. Children are not allowed into mainstream national schools. Finding affordable healthcare is a huge challenge. Securing any protection under the law is similarly a challenge, especially in a time of increasing xenophobia and overt hatred.

 

So perhaps the biggest challenge is finding hope for the future for themselves and their children.  

​