Refugee rights in Malaysia
Located at the heart of Southeast Asia, Malaysia is one of the region's largest refugee-hosting countries with around 192,170 refugees and asylum seekers as of November 2024, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Despite this number, refugees in Malaysia still encounter problems of legal recognition as Malaysia remains a nonsignatory of the 1951 U.N. Refugee Convention. Without this formal recognition from the government, life for these refugees continues to remain challenging — even after seeking refuge.
As time passes and the world continues to grapple with the ongoing refugee crisis, Malaysia finds itself at a crossroads, balancing national sovereignty with the growing demand for compassion and humanity.
On the surface, Malaysia is a leading nation in aiding refugees. However, Malaysia at its core still holds largely negative views of asylum seekers and refugees. The country's Immigration Act 1959/1963 views these marginalized communities as illegal immigrants, leading to numerous complications in areas including but not limited to education, health care and employment. While it is challenging and inappropriate to definitively determine the reasons behind the reluctance to ratify the 1951 U.N. Refugee Convention, the Malaysian government may be concerned that granting legal rights to work for incoming refugees could instill fear among local workers, who may worry about job displacement. However, the labor market tells a different story.
Since 2022, the Malaysian construction industry has faced a shortage of over 400,000 workers. As such, granting rights to marginalized people to engage in certain sectors may help alleviate the pressure and counter the stark shortage of workers. Again, attempting to help all of the refugees seek employment opportunities may sound infeasible and strain Malaysian resources. Furthermore, there is a significant likelihood that refugees will be restricted to 3D jobs — dirty, dangerous and difficult work. This restriction in certain sectors could lead to exploitative environments, resulting in greater harm for these individuals.
Nonetheless, if the right policies were to be implemented to ensure less discriminatory jobs, refugees may potentially grow the economy. As it stands, a report published by the Malaysian think tank Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs stated that allowing refugees to work may increase Malaysian GDP by over 3 billion Malaysian ringgit annually. Finally, this report also states that over 4,000 new jobs could be created for Malaysians if refugees were to be granted the right to work. Ultimately, Malaysia’s concerns to prioritize domestic problems are understandable but when time is running out and lives are sinking, the last thing these people need is for another door of opportunity to be shut.
Despite these challenges, Malaysia has become a leading nation in refugee support over the years. The November 2024 UNHCR report on Malaysia concluded that with around 170,360 refugees, close to 90 percent of all refugees seeking help in Malaysia are from Myanmar. This highlights the significant humanitarian role Malaysia has adopted to protect those being persecuted in their home countries.
The people of Myanmar have predominantly left to escape the tensions between the numerous religious groups as well as the inhumane treatment from their past rulers. The UNHCR office in Kuala Lumpur has worked tirelessly since 1950 to provide essential services. While it is still impossible for these people to receive legal status to work in Malaysia, the UNHCR has taken strides to provide them with identity cards. Although these provide limited protection, they prevent deportations and arrests. Furthermore, they also run clinics to provide medical checkups. However, there is only so much the UNHCR can do, and there is no guarantee they will be able to meet future demands.
While Malaysia’s efforts are commendable, more can be done to ease the lives of underprivileged people. The time to act is fading and every action to help refugees is a light in the dark. It’s time for nations to rise together and recognize that the responsibility to protect transcends borders, and call for a united front against indifference. Refugees deserve more than just survival, they deserve a world that stands for their dignity, their dreams and their right to belong.
The writer is in the 11th grade at the International School of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.