Durable Solutions in Malaysia

Durable solutions in Malaysia

The search for solutions for refugees has been a central part of UNHCR’s work since its inception. Traditionally, UNHCR has sought one of three durable solutions: 

•    Voluntary repatriation, where refugees return to their country of origin in safety and with dignity and re-avail themselves of national protection
•    Local integration, where refugees legally, economically, and socially integrate in the country of refuge
•    Resettlement, where refugees are selected and transferred from the country of refuge to a country which has agreed to admit them

Respecting the refugees’ right to return, UNHCR Malaysia facilitates the return of those who wish to return to their country of origin. 

There is however no large-scale voluntary repatriation, as conditions in the countries where a vast majority of refugees originate from do not allow them to return in safety and with dignity. 

As UNHCR Malaysia continues to work closely with the Government of Malaysia to establish a national asylum framework and inclusive refugee policy, resettlement, albeit limited and only for the neediest refugees, continues to be the main solution. 
 

"From 2005 till 2024, UNHCR Malaysia submitted over 159,000 refugees from 62 countries for resettlement. Over 126,000 refugees were resettled to 17 countries, primarily to the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway"

 

Beyond the three durable solutions, UNHCR Malaysia seeks to broaden its pursuit of solutions for refugees by disseminating information on verified opportunities, criteria and application processes for other safe pathways, commonly known as complementary pathways. Such pathways, which include family reunification programmes, private sponsorship programmes as well as study and work opportunities outside of Malaysia, provide for a lawful stay in a country where the international protection needs of the refugees are met.

UNHCR Malaysia continues to work with a wide range of stakeholders - including the Government of Malaysia, resettlement states, states offering complementary pathways and countries where refugees originate - to expand prospects for solutions and address root causes of displacement.