Does the new programme grant refugees citizenship or permanent residency in Malaysia?

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The New Refugee Registration Programme Does Not Grant Citizenship or Permanent Residency

The Refugee Registration Document (DPP) Programme, implemented by the Home Ministry (KDN) through the Immigration Department, does not confer citizenship, permanent resident status, or the right to remain permanently in Malaysia. The initiative aims to enhance national security and improve refugee management by collecting verified identity and biometric data, in line with National Security Council Directive No. 23 (Revised 2023).
Purpose of Data Collection

The programme's primary objective is to obtain accurate, comprehensive, and verifiable biometric and identity data on individuals classified as refugees. This data is deemed crucial for bolstering national security, improving the effectiveness of enforcement actions, and enabling the government to formulate more evidence-based policies that reflect on-the-ground conditions.
Existing Status Mechanisms Remain in Place

The status of refugees under this programme remains subject to existing frameworks. These include established third-country resettlement processes, which are managed through the appropriate channels. The DPP is not designed to alter or supersede these ongoing mechanisms for refugee status determination and management.
Employment Opportunities are Controlled and Limited

Should refugees meeting specific criteria be granted access to legal employment opportunities, such implementation will strictly adhere to government-determined policies and controls. This approach is explicitly intended to address labour shortages in selected sectors, such as plantations, agriculture, and construction, rather than increasing the overall number of foreign workers in the Malaysian labour market. Individuals permitted to work legally will be fully subject to Malaysian employment laws and regulations.
No Immunity from Malaysian Law

The programme underscores that refugee status does not grant immunity from Malaysian laws. Any individual, regardless of their refugee status, who commits a criminal offence, poses a threat to public security, or violates the country's laws, will be subject to enforcement action, prosecution, and due legal process. National security remains paramount, and refugee issues will be managed in accordance with legal provisions, national interests, and humanitarian considerations.

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Does the new programme grant refugees citizenship or permanent residency in Malaysia?

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