Rights groups urge protections during switch to new registration system
PETALING JAYA: The temporary halt in UNHCR refugee registrations must not leave asylum seekers undocumented or exposed to arrest, exploitation and detention, say rights groups.
Development of Human Resources for Rural Areas Malaysia president Datuk Saravanan M. Sinapan said the planned overhaul could improve governance, data coordination and transparency as Malaysia rolls out its new Refugee Registration Document (DPP).
However, he stressed that registration is also a protection mechanism for vulnerable groups such as women, children, trafficking survivors and stateless persons.
Saravanan said the transition must come with clear timelines, transparent procedures and regular public updates, so stakeholders know how the shift will work.
“We also hope that the DPP will be implemented in a manner that is consistent with international human rights principles, including the principle of non-refoulement and the best interests of the child.”
Saravanan added that any repatriation should be voluntary, safe and dignified with individual assessments of protection needs.
“Malaysia has long played an important humanitarian role in the region.
“The current reforms provide an opportunity to strengthen refugee governance while continuing to uphold humanitarian protection,” he said.
Tenaganita executive director Glorene A. Das said while it recognised the government’s intention to establish a nationally managed refugee registration framework, more clarity was needed on how the proposed DPP programme would operate.
She said the lack of publicly available details on the programme’s implementation, eligibility criteria, legal status and access to basic services could create uncertainty among refugees and asylum seekers.
“The decision to suspend UNHCR registrations without a fully established and communicated alternative system appears premature.”
Glorene said the transition must be carefully managed to ensure asylum seekers were not left without documentation or protection.
“For many asylum seekers, UNHCR registration has been the first form of recognition that they are seeking protection, rather than simply being undocumented migrants,” she said.
Glorene added that without a functioning replacement, newly arrived asylum seekers could face greater risks of arrest, trafficking and labour abuse while those already in Malaysia may struggle to access healthcare and schooling.
She said the key issue is not just the suspension itself but the uncertainty around whether the new system will provide meaningful protection or merely collect data.
Yesterday, Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni told the Dewan Negara that the government has ordered UNHCR to temporarily halt refugee registrations while Malaysia restructures its DPP programme.
He said the Cabinet-approved move aims to centralise refugee data under government supervision for identity checks, monitoring and regulation.
He said that registration under the DPP will involve enforcement agencies to ensure only eligible individuals are included.
Malaysia is also pursuing a multilateral approach with Myanmar and Asean on the topic of Rohingya refugees.
