Malaysia to use refugee screening system for repatriation decisions

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia's Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that the country's refugee registration and status determination system will serve as the foundation for future repatriation and resettlement decisions.

The registration process, which documents individuals' claims and circumstances, will help authorities identify who qualifies as a refugee under international definitions and who may be eligible for return to their country of origin or placement in third countries.

The ministry said the structured screening approach would ensure consistency in how cases are assessed and processed, addressing concerns about the handling of displaced populations within Malaysian territory. The system is intended to distinguish between refugees fleeing persecution and other migrants, informing policy decisions that affect thousands of individuals.

Malaysia hosts one of the largest refugee populations in Southeast Asia, with communities from Myanmar, Afghanistan, Syria and other conflict-affected nations. The government has faced international scrutiny over its treatment of asylum seekers and displaced persons, particularly regarding detention practices and access to services.

Authorities did not specify a timeline for implementation of the new approach or provide details on how existing cases would be reviewed under the screening framework.