Tenaganita is also seeking clarification on why only 25 of the 78 recognised refugees were approved to work, and an explanation over reports that the transfer to the Special Refugee and Asylum Seeker Isolation Centre involved 127 men and only one woman.
PETALING JAYA: Tenaganita has welcomed the government decision to recognise 78 Rohingya refugees under the Refugee Registration Document pilot programme, describing it as an important first step towards granting refugees protection, dignity and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society.
“Under the pilot programme, 25 of the 78 recognised refugees have been approved to participate in an employment scheme,” it said.
“Allowing refugees to work legally would benefit both refugees and Malaysia, as it enables them to become self-reliant, contribute to the formal economy, help address labour shortages and reduce their vulnerability to exploitation.”
However, the organisation urged the government to ensure that the programme is implemented in a transparent, fair and rights-based manner.
It called on the government to publicly clarify the criteria for refugee recognition and work eligibility, the duration and conditions of the temporary stay document, sectors in which refugees may work, application timelines, appeal mechanisms and pathways for those who are not recognised or approved for employment.
Tenaganita is also seeking clarification on why only 25 of the 78 recognised refugees were approved to work, and an explanation over reports that the transfer to the Special Refugee and Asylum Seeker Isolation Centre involved 127 men and only one woman.
“Greater transparency is essential to strengthen public confidence in the programme,“ it said, adding that refugee registration must be accompanied by policy coherence, stressing that continued immigration raids, arrests and evictions targeting refugee communities could undermine trust in the registration process and discourage refugees from coming forward.
“Beyond the pilot programme, Malaysia has to move towards a comprehensive refugee policy that provides a clear framework for refugee management and protection.
“Such a framework should include orientation programmes to help refugees understand Malaysian laws, culture and social norms and access to education for all refugee children, in line with Malaysia’s obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Child Act, and sustained efforts towards durable solutions.”
It also urged the government to develop a national action plan to address growing hate campaigns targeting refugees, particularly the Rohingya, saying misinformation, xenophobia and incitement must be addressed decisively to prevent hate crimes, discrimination and further social division.
Tenaganita said at the regional level, Malaysia should continue playing a stronger leadership role within Asean by advocating an end to the conflict, persecution and atrocities in Myanmar.
“Lasting solutions for refugees will only be possible when peace, justice and accountability are restored in their country of origin.“
The organisation expressed hope that the pilot programme would eventually evolve into a comprehensive refugee protection framework that is transparent, rightsbased and developed in consultation with civil society, employers and refugee communities.
“Malaysia has an opportunity to demonstrate that protecting refugees and advancing the country’s social and economic interests can go hand in hand,“ it added.
