Story perspectives

Malaysia's Biometric Scheme Puts Rohingya Refugees at Risk

1/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Rights advocates warn that Malaysia's biometric registration scheme could determine which Rohingya migrants stay or are deported.
The Rohingya are a persecuted Muslim minority from Myanmar who have sought refuge in Malaysia since the 1990s.
Malaysia does not officially recognize refugees, leaving many Rohingya vulnerable to detention and exploitation.
The registration scheme, launched on January 1, will document detainees, including those expelled from Myanmar in 2017, to help decide detention, deportation, or eligibility for UN resettlement.

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Story summary

Rights advocates warn that Malaysia's biometric registration scheme could determine which Rohingya migrants stay or are deported.
The Rohingya are a persecuted Muslim minority from Myanmar who have sought refuge in Malaysia since the 1990s.
Malaysia does not officially recognize refugees, leaving many Rohingya vulnerable to detention and exploitation.
The registration scheme, launched on January 1, will document detainees, including those expelled from Myanmar in 2017, to help decide detention, deportation, or eligibility for UN resettlement.