Image credit: Baker Institute
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has urged the government to engage with stakeholders, including companies and civil society organisations, to develop a framework that could help absorb refugees and asylum seekers into formal work sectors.
MEF president Syed Hussain Syed Husman said allowing refugees and asylum seekers in Malaysia to work formally was a win-win strategy that could relieve the country’s acute labour shortage while upholding Malaysia’s humanitarian commitments.
“We urge the government to work with stakeholders, including employers, trade unions, NGOs and international organisations, to develop a clear and accountable framework.
“Such a framework needs to define their legal working status and permits; outline employer obligations and workers’ rights; ensure proper vetting, matching, and monitoring mechanisms; and integrate training and skills recognition to ensure productive placement,” he said in a statement.
Syed Hussain said integrating the two groups into the labour force could alleviate labour shortages in the agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and care services industries.
This would allow employers to tap into a ready workforce already living in the country, which could save time and costs.
If 30% to 40% of the refugees and asylum seekers were granted access to the formal job market, he said, it could provide 55,000 to 75,000 employees to the country.
He said MEF was ready to engage with the authorities on the proposal.
In February, federal territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the government was refining the details on how refugees registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) could work legally in the country.
Malaysia is not a signatory to the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention and its related 1967 protocol, meaning refugees who hold UNHCR cards are only allowed to work in odd-jobs or the informal sector.
Source: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/06/22/engage-with-stakeholders-to-allow-refugees-to-work-formally-govt-urged