UNHCR Responds To News Of Driving License For Refugees Allegedly Issued By The Agency In Malaysia

We have seen news articles today reporting about driving licenses for refugees allegedly issued by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.

This document is false. The UNHCR Representation in Malaysia does not issue driving licences.

We wish to further stress that UNHCR only issues refugee identity cards in the country, which serves to verify that the card holder is a refugee requiring international protection and cannot be forcibly sent to a country where their lives or freedom may be at risk. Our cards do not accord any other right to the bearer including the right to drive vehicles in the country.