Kuala lumpur: The government is actively advancing pre-implementation measures for the Refugee Management Policy (DPP), focusing on the development of essential systems, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and infrastructure required for determining refugee status. This initiative is in alignment with National Security Council (MKN) Directive No. 23, which establishes a new mechanism for refugee management in accordance with national law.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah disclosed that current actions include testing a refugee registration and asylum application system developed in collaboration with MIMOS Berhad. Additionally, efforts are underway to establish a refugee and asylum seeker isolation centre in Bidor, Perak, and to finalize the SOP for refugee status determination, along with amendments to the Immigration Regulations 1963.

During a question-and-answer session at the Dewan Rakyat, Dr Shamsul Anuar emphasized that the directive mandates all refugees in the country, regardless of whether they possess UNHCR cards, to undergo a government-conducted status determination process. He was responding to an inquiry from Wong Chen (PH-Subang) regarding the timeline and implementation plan for expanding the DPP, which aims to provide registered refugees with access to education and healthcare via non-governmental organizations or private institutions.

Dr Shamsul Anuar further explained that under the new mechanism, refugee status would be verified exclusively through the Refugee Registration Document, with biometric data incorporated into the government system for monitoring and enforcement purposes. He noted that MKN Directive No. 23 (Revised 2023) also delineates the roles of 20 ministries and agencies in ensuring access to education, healthcare, social protection, and employment opportunities for holders of refugee documents.