The Role of UNHCR in Malaysia

One key organization that plays a crucial role in providing support and protection is the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Understanding the importance of the UNHCR and its services can significantly impact your safety and future opportunities.

 

✅ UNHCR Card: Your First Step to Protection

One of the first and most essential steps for migrants and asylum seekers in Malaysia is to apply for a UNHCR card. This card serves as a form of identification and offers several protections. Without a UNHCR card, you are at risk of being detained by Malaysian authorities and potentially being deported back to your home country. Having this card can help you avoid detention and provides a level of recognition and safety within Malaysia.

 

✅ Protection and Resettlement Opportunities

The UNHCR is the primary organization that offers protection and resettlement opportunities for migrants and asylum seekers in Malaysia. Here’s how they can help:

Legal Protection: With a UNHCR card, you gain some legal protections that can prevent arbitrary detention and deportation. It serves as a form of recognition of your status as a refugee or asylum seeker.

Resettlement: The UNHCR is the only organization that can facilitate resettlement to a third country. This process can be lengthy, but it provides a pathway to a safer and more stable life in a country that recognizes refugee rights and offers better opportunities.

Support Services: While the resources are limited, the UNHCR can provide access to various support services, including basic healthcare, education for children, and sometimes financial assistance. These services can be critical for your well-being while you are in Malaysia.

 

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.

1 / 9

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.

2 / 9

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.

3 / 9

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.

4 / 9

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.

5 / 9

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.

6 / 9

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.

7 / 9

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.

8 / 9

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.

9 / 9

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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Challenges of Getting a UNHCR Card

✅ Long Waiting Period: Getting a UNHCR card in Malaysia can take years

 

✅ Risk of Arrest: While waiting for an appointment, you might be arrested and detained by authorities.

 

✅ Work Risks: Working without proper documents can lead to being caught and detained.

 

✅Uncertainty: The waiting period is very difficult, stressful and uncertai

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