Malaysia clarifies immigration status for UNHCR cardholders

The Malaysian Immigration Department has clarified that Rohingya refugees holding valid United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cards are not exempt from all national immigration laws. While these cardholders are exempt from two specific offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63 — not possessing a valid travel document or pass, and overstaying — they remain subject to all other provisions of the law.

Immigration Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban stated that cardholders can still face enforcement action for other offences, such as working without a valid permit. Additionally, employers who hire UNHCR card-holding refugees without proper legal authorisation may face legal consequences.

The department noted that refugee management is conducted according to National Security Council Directive No. 23 and is overseen by the Cabinet Committee on Refugees and Asylum Seekers, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Immigration Department continue to manage refugee registration through the Refugee Registration Document (DPP) programme.