UNITED Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) offices in Malaysia will cease operations pending a takeover by the government in handling refugees entering the country, Abdul Latiff Ahmad said.

The minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, in a parliamentary written reply yesterday, said the presence of UNHCR offices is the biggest pulling factor towards the increased arrival of foreign migrants, who then acquired refugee cards and settled in the country.

He said the reason behind the closures was to manage refugee and asylum-seeking issues with more efficiency in accordance with National Security Council Order No. 23. 

The order pertains to revamping processes with emphasis towards reinforcing the determination of refugee status executed by the government, establishing a committee at the highest level of administration and coordinating a social support system for refugees and asylum seekers.

“UNHCR offices in Malaysia were supposed to manage refugees’ relocations to third countries or their countries of origin, but the presence of migrants has increased and relocation rates have been really low,” said Latiff.

“The presence of UNHCR offices has become a factor that attracts the arrival of migrants to receive a refugee card and live in the country. 

“In relation to that, the government has taken the initiative to improve policies and legislation to ensure that it could play a bigger role regarding this issue.”

Latiff’s reply was in response to a question by Charles Santiago (Klang-PH), who asked for an explanation regarding the ministry’s statement stating the closure of UNHCR offices and having their responsibilities of managing refugees taken over by the government. 

Santiago also asked about the steps the government will take to ensure the takeover is implemented according to international laws, while ensuring that the refugees’ basic needs are met.

Latiff said the transition will be executed with prudence and due diligence. – October 7, 2022.