Malaysia’s Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that a new refugee registration and identification system, Dokumen Pendaftaran Pelarian (D...
Malaysia’s Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that a new refugee registration and identification system, Dokumen Pendaftaran Pelarian (DPP), will officially take effect on 1 January 2026. The system is designed to verify the exact number of refugees in the country and strengthen monitoring of their legal status and location.
A Government-Controlled System Replacing UNHCR Registration
Authorities confirmed that DPP will become Malaysia’s only government-approved refugee registration mechanism, replacing the UNHCR process which was not under government supervision. Officials stated this lack of oversight made it difficult to obtain accurate refugee data.
Biometric Data to Strengthen Security and Identity Verification
The new system will be fully biometric-based to improve identification, security, and administrative efficiency. DPP is currently in its pilot phase as the government ensures the system is fully functional and effective before full implementation.
Three Possible Pathways for Recognised Refugees
According to the Home Minister, individuals officially recognised as refugees may be directed toward one of three outcomes:
- Resettlement to a third country
- Voluntary return to their home country
- Deportation in cases involving criminal offences
More Transparent and Organised Refugee Management
The ministry added that DPP aims to create a more transparent, structured, and secure refugee-management framework. Human rights considerations and data-security principles will be prioritised throughout its implementation.
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