UNHCR: Letting Refugees Work Legally Could Help Malaysia’s Labour Market

Arakan Now | 1 July 2025

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has said that giving refugees the right to work legally in Malaysia could help solve labour shortages in the country. It could also support Malaysia’s fight against forced labour.

Louise Aubin, the UNHCR representative in Malaysia, told the New Straits Times that refugees in Malaysia currently do not have legal status or the right to work legally. Because of this, many refugees are forced to work in the informal sector, where jobs are often unsafe and unfair.

“They face problems like low or no pay, dangerous working conditions, and being fired without notice, because they don’t have work contracts,” Aubin said.

She added that allowing refugees to work legally would help protect them from being exploited or abused. About 69% of refugees registered with UNHCR in Malaysia are of working age and could contribute to the economy.

A report by the think tank IDEAS showed that if refugees were allowed to work legally, they could:

-Add over RM3 billion to Malaysia’s annual economy by 2024,

-Pay RM50 million in taxes each year,

-And help create more than 4,000 jobs for Malaysians.

Aubin also said that the UNHCR has had positive talks with the Malaysian government to help create guidelines for legal work and is ready to support further discussions with ministries and agencies.

Photo : New Strait Time