KUALA LUMPUR – Allowing registered refugees to work legally in Malaysia could add value to the country, which is facing a shortage of foreign labour, says the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF).
Speaking to Scoop, MEF president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said hiring skilled and qualified refugees to fill labour gaps would create a win-win situation for all parties involved.
“MEF fully supports this government initiative and proposal. Our country is indeed experiencing a labour shortage in certain sectors.
“These refugees are already in Malaysia—some have skills, academic qualifications, and experience in specific fields.
“Utilising their expertise and experience would undoubtedly be beneficial to us.
“Rather than merely providing them with shelter in camps, it would be far better to offer them opportunities to contribute to the country—a win-win situation for both sides,” he said when contacted today.
Earlier, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the government was considering providing additional social assistance to refugees registered with the government and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), including granting them the legal right to work in Malaysia.
She added that the details of this initiative were still being finalised, taking into account sector-specific labour requirements and conditions.
The approval will only be confirmed once all refugees and asylum seekers in Malaysia have been officially registered with the government, she said.
Syed Hussain further stressed that every human being deserves fair treatment, especially registered UNHCR refugees.
“Making them feel valued is a good approach, as it also helps ensure their mental well-being and stability.
“We need to match their skills and attitudes with the right job opportunities,” he said.
However, he also urged the public not to confuse UNHCR refugees with Rohingya migrants from Myanmar.
“The Rohingya are undocumented migrants who arrive in Malaysia by boat and are not part of the UNHCR refugee programme.
“In contrast, UN-registered refugees possess official documentation issued by UNHCR, and many are still awaiting resettlement in third countries. Many of them are educated, skilled, and well-mannered,” he said.
According to the latest statistics shared by Zaliha in Parliament last December, as of September last year, 191,832 refugees and asylum seekers had been registered with the UNHCR office in Malaysia.
Of this number, Myanmar accounted for the largest group, with 168,813 individuals (88%), followed by Pakistan with 5,755 (3%).
Yemen recorded 3,837 refugees (2%), while Afghanistan and Somalia each accounted for approximately 1,918 (1%).
“Refugees and asylum seekers from other countries make up the remaining 5% of those currently in Malaysia,” she said. — February 15, 2025