KUALA LUMPUR — Refugees are required to abide by Malaysian laws while the country continues to uphold its responsibility to provide protection for those fleeing conflict and persecution, says the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
UNHCR Representative in Malaysia Louise Aubin said there exists a reciprocal understanding between host nations and refugees, with legal compliance forming a core part of that relationship, Bernama reported.
“All refugees must abide by the law. Refugees are not immune to the laws of a country. So there’s a mutual respect that is established. It’s almost like a contract between the hosting state and refugees. Refugees must respect the law,” she said.
She spoke to reporters on the sidelines of the Kuala Lumpur Conference: Solidarity with Refugees, held in conjunction with World Refugee Day. The event was jointly organised by the Global Peace Mission Malaysia and the Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia, with cooperation from the International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies Malaysia.
Responding to public concerns regarding refugees, particularly from the Rohingya community, Aubin said UNHCR applies strict verification procedures before recognising refugee status, stressing that not all arrivals in Malaysia are automatically classified as refugees.
She explained that the agency relies on in-depth interviews and cross-checking mechanisms across its global network to verify claims made by applicants.
“How do we find that out? Through very extensive interviews. UNHCR is able to cross-check information with its other offices in and around the world to verify that someone who says who they are and what they have fled is actually true,” she added.
Aubin also welcomed Malaysia’s efforts to introduce a more structured refugee management system through the Refugee Registration Document Programme, which includes the collection of biometric data and verified identities to strengthen national security.
She said such initiatives would help prevent prolonged displacement and support long-term solutions, including eventual repatriation when conditions in home countries allow.
“I think that requires our entire priority and support going forward because that is the system that will really not only protect refugees correctly, but it will ensure that refugees find solutions,” she said. — June 20, 2026