"It’s about people’s lives, their dignity, and their journey to rebuild their lives and find safety."
"It’s about people’s lives, their dignity, and their journey to rebuild their lives and find safety."
Jaja Abu Seman at the UNHCR Malaysia Refugee Centre
Tell us about yourself and your job.
My name is Jaja Abu Seman, and I am the Registration Associate at the Registration Unit here in UNHCR Malaysia.
I've been with UNHCR since 2004, and throughout that time, I've been part of the Registration Unit, a space where I've grown both professionally and personally.
I work with UNHCR, where I broadly manage the registration process for refugees and asylum- seekers. My main focus is to ensure that operations run efficiently so individuals are seen promptly and don’t have to wait too long. It’s important that the entire process—from registration to documentation—is completed in a timely and organized manner.
In addition, I supervise the work of ensuring refugee files are properly updated and managed. I also handle suspected fraud cases, in line with UNHCR’s procedures. This role has taught me the importance of diligence to help maintain the credibility of UNHCR’s systems.
My role is a combination of operational oversight, technical coordination, and a strong focus on accuracy, all aimed at supporting people through a critical part of their journey.
The Refugee Centre at UNHCR Malaysia is the frontline of our protection work. This is where we receive refugees, process their asylum claims, and provide assistance and services. One important protection work we do here is register refugees.
What is refugee registration?
The registration process formally records, verifies, and updates information on people fleeing persecution or war. This is typically done by organisations like UNHCR or by host countries.
Does UNHCR register everyone who shows up to your office?
No, of course not. We only register people who have fled war or persecution, and cannot safely return to their home country.
This is where UNHCR issues documents to refugees. Refugees come here to update their personal and biometric information, including fingerprints, iris scan, and photos. This is an important step to ensure that UNHCR has the most updated information for each refugee.
Why is registration important?
Well, it allows States and organizations like UNHCR to understand who is seeking asylum and to provide essential protection and assistance to them.
During a registration interview, UNHCR gathers personal background information to determine if the person is in need of international protection. All information is securely stored in a centralized online database.
This data is important so that UNHCR can follow up with those needing protection or assistance, such as highly vulnerable refugees.
The proof of registration is a document that is issued to refugees. This document may prevent refugees from immigration arrest and detention, or deportation to a country where their lives or freedom are at risk.
All UNHCR services – including the registration process – are completely free.
Can a refugee use the UNHCR document as a driving licence or a work permit?
No. The UNHCR document isn’t a driving license or a work permit.
Our documentation identifies people who need international protection. That’s why it’s so important.
Why is this job meaningful to you?
Working with refugees is something that feels really personal and meaningful to me. It is simply about being there for people, showing up when it matters. Even the smallest things we do can make a real difference.
In the registration unit, we’re usually the first faces refugees see. It’s where their stories are heard for the first time, where the process of protection begins, and where hope slowly starts to build. It’s not just paperwork or procedures, it’s about people’s lives, their dignity, and their journey to rebuild their lives and find safety.
Every day I come to work knowing that no matter how big or small, I’m contributing to making a difference in someone’s life.
Over the years, I've had the opportunity to work closely with people from diverse backgrounds, and it's been incredibly rewarding to contribute to processes that directly impact the lives of those seeking protection.
And being surrounded by colleagues who truly care and share that same purpose makes the work even more meaningful.
It’s been a long journey for me, but one filled with purpose and learning.
UNHCR greatly appreciates the contributions of donors, including the European Union for its continued support under the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) funding, that helps UNHCR carry out crucial protection interventions such as the work done by the Registration Unit at UNHCR Malaysia.
