Should I seek asylum in Malaysia?

While Malaysia might seem like a potential country to seek refuge, it’s important to be aware of several challenges:

✅Refugees aren’t recognized in Malaysia: Malaysia does not officially recognize refugees as it has not signed the Refugee Conventions. This means you will have very limited legal protections. 🔗 Click here to learn about the 1951 Refugee Convention  🔗

✅Employment: Finding work is difficult, often limited to dangerous, dirty, and dangerous (3D) jobs with little job security or fair wages. 🔗 Click here to listen to their experiences 🔗

✅Healthcare: Access to affordable healthcare is limited, and you may face high medical costs without insurance. 🔗 Click here for a list of Community Clinics🔗

✅ Education: Public schools are not accessible for your children, forcing you to rely on costly private schooling options. 🔗 Click here for a list of Refugee Schools in Malaysia 🔗

✅ Detention Centers: Malaysian detention centers are known for poor conditions and human rights concerns. 🔗 Click here to watch stories of Detention 🔗

✅ Resettlement: It can take many years for the UNHCR to resettle you to another country, leaving you in a prolonged state of uncertainty.

✅ Human Trafficking: There is a risk of becoming vulnerable to human trafficking. 🔗 Click here for stories of Human Trafficking 🔗

✅Explore Migrantinfo.net : Visit Migrantinfo.net for guides on safety, legal rights, and migration policies in Malaysia. Our resources can help you make an informed decision about whether migrating to Malaysia for work is the right choice for you. 🔗 Click for more information; Malaysian Laws, Stories from other Migrants in Malaysia, How to Make a Financial Plan🔗

Should I Seek Asylum in Malaysia?

Thinking about seeking asylum in Malaysia? This quiz will help you understand the challenges and conditions you might face. Learn about legal protections, access to work, education, and healthcare, and decide if Malaysia is the right place for you.

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Do you know that Malaysia does not recognize the rights of refugees or asylum seekers?
Malaysia has not signed the 1951 Geneva Convention or the 1957 Refugee Protocol. This means Malaysia is not legally required to follow international standards for refugee protection, resulting in very limited legal protections for refugees. Refugees in Malaysia do not have the right to work, access to public education, or affordable healthcare.

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Do you know that you are not legally allowed to work in Malaysia?
By law, refugees are not allowed to work in Malaysia, and if you do then you will have to find informal work that may mean you will do dirty, dangerous or dangerous jobs at a low salary. This also leaves you open to abuse from your employers.

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Do you know that your children will not be able to go to school easily in Malaysia?
Your children will not be able to go to government school. This means you will have to send them to a very expensive private school for them to have an education.

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Do you know that you can be put into a Detention Center?
If you do not get an appointment with UNHCR and receive a UNHCR card, and the authorities catch you, you could be put into a detention center and then sent back to your country! Malaysian detention centers have been reported to be abusive and unhygienic.

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Do you know that it could take years for you to be resettled to a country where you could get legal protections?
Many refugees in Malaysia have waited for tens of years without getting resettlement. Without resettlement, things like access to healthcare, education and even employment is withheld from you.

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Do you know that Healthcare is very expensive in Malaysia for migrants?
Healthcare is expensive and not subsidized for migrants in Malaysia. If you have a UNHCR card, you will receive some subsidies, but otherwise, if you get sick it will be very difficult for you to get affordable treatment.

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Are you aware that you are vulnerable to Human Trafficking?
Some agents may promise you a better life or a way into Malaysia. But be careful! There are many agents who will ask you for thousands of ringgit and force you to pay them.

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Do you know refugee organisations based in Malaysia who can help you?
It's important to have a list of local community or refugee organisations who can help you before you come into Malaysia. Community organisations will give you a sense of safety and belonging, and offer you help in times of need.

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We know that you may not have the time to find the right country to run to, if you are escaping for your life, from war or persecution. Hopefully this quiz has given you an idea of what to prepare for if you find yourself in Malaysia. Share this quiz with a friend you care about to keep them safe, if they are thinking about migrating to Malaysia as well.

You can also visit www.migrantinfo.net for more information about migrating to Malaysia! If you found this quiz helpful let us know by leaving a message below.

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Life as a Refugee in Malaysia

   Malaysia has not signed the Geneva Convention 1951 and the Refugee Protocol 1957. However, considering the significant number of refugees in the country, this policy should be reconsidered.

If a country does not sign the Geneva Convention of 1951 and the Refugee Protocol of 1957, it means that the country is not legally bound to adhere to the international standards and obligations for the protection of refugees set forth in these agreements. This can have several implications: 

🔴 No Legal Obligation to Protect Refugees: The country is not required to grant asylum, provide specific protections, or ensure the rights of refugees as outlined in the Convention and Protocol.

🔴No Formal Refugee Status: Refugees in the country may not be officially recognized as such, which can limit their access to legal protection, social services, and employment.

🔴Risk of Deportation: Without the legal protections of the Convention, refugees may be at greater risk of being detained, deported, or repatriated to their home countries where they may face persecution.

🔴Limited Access to Aid: Refugees might have limited access to aid and assistance programs that often depend on a country’s adherence to the Convention.

🔴Increased Vulnerability: Refugees may face heightened vulnerability to exploitation, human trafficking, and abuse without the legal framework to protect their rights and well-being.

🔴Reliance on UNHCR: In countries that have not signed the Convention, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) often plays a critical role in providing protection and assistance, but their capacity may be limited compared to the protections that a signatory country is obliged to provide.

🔴Racism & Xenophobia: Malaysia does have issues with xenophobia and racism. Instances of discrimination or prejudice may occur, and you need to be prepared for this.

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