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(Free Malaysia Today)True number of refugees in Malaysia exceeds UNHCR figures, says immigration DG

Release Date
2026-06-19
Media
Free Malaysia Today
Summary
Malaysia’s immigration director-general, Zakaria Shaaban, said the actual number of refugees and asylum seekers in the country is likely much higher than the 215,600 individuals registered with UNHCR. Authorities believe many refugees remain unregistered and therefore no longer rely solely on UNHCR statistics.

To address this, the Malaysian government, through the National Security Council, has launched a nationwide registration exercise to identify all refugees, regardless of whether they hold UNHCR documentation. The first phase of the program will continue until the end of the year.

According to UNHCR data, Malaysia had about 215,600 registered refugees and asylum seekers as of February 2026. The vast majority—around 193,800—are from Myanmar, including approximately 126,100 Rohingya. Others come from countries such as Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia, Afghanistan, Syria, Sri Lanka, Palestine, and Iraq.
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Malaysia

News Articles including "Malaysia"

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