Putrajaya, 27 October 2026 – Malaysia has begun compiling nationwide refugee data under a government registration programme governed by National Security Council Directive No. 23. The first phase covers people held in immigration detention depots, while a second phase is intended to register holders of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees cards who live outside detention.
For businesses and investors, the programme matters because clearer official records can improve policy coordination in labour markets, public services and security administration. Registration does not grant permanent residence or citizenship, and the government continues to describe refugees’ presence as temporary pending resettlement or voluntary return.
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