Looking Ahead: Towards a Comprehensive Asylum System
Looking Ahead: Towards a Comprehensive Asylum System
UNHCR’s Role and Work in Malaysia
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to lead and coordinate international efforts to protect refugees and seek durable solutions to their plight. This mandate is exercised globally, in cooperation with Member States, including Malaysia, and in accordance with international refugee and human rights standards.
Around the world, situations of persecution, conflict and violence continue to force children, women and men to flee their homes, often exposing them to imminent risk to their lives, safety and dignity. In such situations, UNHCR works to ensure that those compelled to flee can access protection, have their essential needs met until longer-term solutions – such as safe return to a peaceful country or other options – are found. In Malaysia, UNHCR works with many agencies and organizations to support refugees alongside Malaysian communities.
Registration of Refugees in Malaysia
Malaysia has adopted policies aimed at strengthening the national response to forced displacement, including through the introduction of the government-led refugee registration system, the Dokumen Pendaftaran Pelarian (DPP), launched in January 2026. These efforts reflect an important step towards a structured, predictable, and nationally owned approach to protecting people forced to flee their country.
As fair and accessible asylum procedures are being set up by the Government of Malaysia, UNHCR continues, in line with its international mandate and longstanding practice, to support the identification and registration of refugees and asylum-seekers in the country, in full transparency with authorities. Together with its partners and civil society in Malaysia, UNHCR identifies individuals who fled persecution and conflict and assesses how their needs and vulnerabilities can best be addressed.
Proper registration and documentation of all individuals seeking protection in Malaysia are key to accessing basic services such as health care. Registration and documentation also contribute to the authorities’ understanding of profiles and needs of refugees.
UNHCR's work in Malaysia is complementary to and in support of the State’s protection and humanitarian responsibilities.
Looking Ahead: Towards a Comprehensive Asylum System
UNHCR works closely with the Government of Malaysia toward establishing a national asylum framework. In relation to the DPP initiatives, UNHCR remains committed to supporting its implementation through technical advice, capacity sharing and cooperation, drawing on international standards and comparative practices.
As global displacement continues to rise, cooperation among the Government of Malaysia, United Nations agencies, civil society and international partners remain essential ensure protection for those fleeing persecution and conflict, while advancing practical and sustainable solutions.
UNHCR helps to save lives and build better futures for the millions of people forced to flee their homes.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency works to ensure that everybody has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge, having fled violence, persecution, war or disaster at home.
Since 1950, we have faced multiple crises on multiple continents, and provided vital assistance to refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced and stateless people, many of whom have nobody left to turn to.
We help to save lives and build better futures for millions forced from home.
Need help?
Find information and services for refugees and asylum-seekers in Malaysia.
Don't Forget About Sudan
The Sudan crisis is the world’s largest displacement and protection emergency. 12 million people remain displaced, many living in makeshift shelters without safety or hope.
UNHCR is on the ground in Sudan and in neighbouring countries, providing emergency shelter, clean water, and protection – but our resources are stretched to the breaking point.
Your gift can mean survival.
Please donate now. Your help can save lives and restore hope.
Hundreds of newly arrived Sudanese refugees gather for food distribution in Kufrun site, Ouaddai region, Chad.
can provide seven hot meals for 7 days to a refugee in a transit centre waiting for relocation in Chad
can provide dignity kits to 5 refugee women or girl for a year in Chad
can provide core relief kit to a refugee family, including kitchen set, mosquito nets, etc in Chad
