PUTRAJAYA, June 14 — The Home Ministry (KDN), through the Immigration Department, is implementing the Refugee Registration Document (DPP) Programme to improve refugee management and strengthen national security through the collection of verified identity and biometric data.
In a statement yesterday, KDN said the programme was introduced in line with National Security Council Directive No. 23 (Revised 2023) to enable the government to obtain more accurate, comprehensive and verifiable biometric and identity data on individuals categorised as refugees.
“The data is important to enhance national security, improve enforcement effectiveness and assist the government in formulating more evidence-based policies that reflect actual conditions on the ground.
“This initiative is not intended to grant citizenship, permanent resident status or the right to remain permanently in Malaysia. Their status remains subject to existing mechanisms, including third-country resettlement processes managed through the relevant channels,” the ministry said.
KDN said that if refugees who meet certain criteria are granted access to legal employment opportunities, the implementation would remain subject to policies and controls determined by the government.
“This approach is not intended to increase the number of foreign workers in the labour market. Instead, it aims to reduce dependence on the recruitment of new foreign workers while addressing labour shortages in selected sectors,” it said.
KDN stressed that any employment access granted would focus on sectors facing labour shortages and high dependence on foreign workers, particularly labour-intensive industries such as plantations, agriculture and construction.
At the same time, individuals permitted to work legally would be fully subject to Malaysian employment laws and regulations, including compliance with the prevailing minimum wage and worker protection requirements.
“This measure is important to prevent labour exploitation and ensure fair competition in the job market,” the ministry said.
KDN added that professional and highly skilled occupations would remain subject to stringent requirements, regulations and assessment processes imposed by the relevant ministries and regulatory agencies.
Acknowledging that public concerns are largely focused on the Rohingya community, one of the largest refugee groups in Malaysia, KDN stressed that refugee status does not confer immunity from Malaysian laws.
“Any individual who commits a criminal offence, threatens public security or violates the country’s laws remains subject to enforcement action, prosecution and due legal process.
“KDN wishes to emphasise that national security will never be compromised, and the government will continue to manage refugee issues responsibly, based on the law, national interests and humanitarian realities at the regional and international levels,” it said. — Bernama
