Malaysia launches refugee registration drive to track and resettle asylum seekers

In a written reply to parliament, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi detailed the government's Refugee Registration Document (DPP) programme, which aims to compile data on refugee communities across the country. Phase one focuses on individuals detained in immigration depots, while phase two will extend to refugees holding United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cards who reside outside those facilities.

Zahid explained that the data collection will enable authorities to manage, coordinate and monitor the temporary presence of refugees before they are either resettled in a third country or repatriated. He responded to MP Mohd Sany Hamzan's question about Malaysia's stance toward international agencies, emphasizing that organisations like UNHCR provide essential expertise and help alleviate humanitarian burdens. Zahid also noted that UNHCR is needed to verify refugee status and facilitate third-country resettlement.