In the first half of 2025, Malaysia deported more than 28,000 individuals, a figure that has reignited debates over the country’s immigration policies and its treatment of refugees. Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail revealed the statistics in a written parliamentary reply, shedding light on the scale of deportations and the government’s stance on international refugee protections, even as Malaysia remains outside key global agreements.
Scale and Demographics of Deportations
Between January 1 and July 6, 2025, a total of 28,525 people were removed from Malaysia under the Immigration Act 1959/63. The breakdown by gender and age paints a stark picture: 21,039 adult men (74%), 6,145 adult women (21%), 778 boys (3%), and 563 girls (2%) were deported during this period. The majority of those deported hailed from neighboring countries, with Indonesians topping the list at 11,085 individuals, followed by 4,885 from Myanmar and 4,465 from the Philippines.
These numbers, provided in response to a query from Syerleena Abdul Rashid, a member of parliament from the Pakatan Harapan coalition representing Bukit Bendera, highlight the ongoing challenges Malaysia faces as a transit hub for migrants and asylum seekers in Southeast Asia. The significant proportion of men among the deported reflects broader regional migration patterns, often driven by economic necessity or conflict, while the presence of children raises questions about the conditions and processes surrounding these removals. 
Non-Refoulement and UNHCR Cardholders
Malaysia’s approach to refugees and asylum seekers remains a contentious issue, particularly given that the country is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol. These international agreements establish the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits the return of individuals to countries where they face persecution or serious harm. Despite its non-signatory status, Home Minister Saifuddin emphasized that Malaysia upholds this principle as a matter of policy.
“As a matter of principle, Malaysia does not deport UNHCR cardholders unless it is for resettlement to a third country” Saifuddin stated in his parliamentary reply on July 6, 2025. This policy refers to individuals registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), who are often fleeing conflict or persecution and seeking protection while in Malaysia.
According to data cited from the International Organization for Migration, 8,627 refugees and asylum seekers were resettled abroad in 2024. By June 2025, an additional 947 individuals had been resettled, primarily to countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This resettlement process, often facilitated through UNHCR, offers a lifeline to some, but the numbers pale in comparison to the tens of thousands of refugees and asylum seekers estimated to be in Malaysia at any given time.
Regional Context and Policy Challenges
Malaysia’s position as a non-signatory to the Refugee Convention places it in a complex spot within Southeast Asia, a region marked by significant displacement due to conflicts, economic disparities, and environmental challenges. Neighboring countries like Thailand and Indonesia also host large numbers of refugees and migrants, yet few in the region have ratified the international frameworks that provide formal protections. This leaves many vulnerable to detention, deportation, or exploitation.
The deportation of nearly 5,000 individuals from Myanmar, a country grappling with ongoing violence and political instability following the 2021 military coup, underscores the delicate balance Malaysia must strike. Many Myanmar nationals in Malaysia are fleeing persecution, particularly from ethnic minority groups such as the Rohingya, who have faced systemic violence in their home country. While Saifuddin’s statement on non-refoulement offers some reassurance, the practical implementation of this principle remains under scrutiny by human rights groups.
Similarly, the large number of Indonesians and Filipinos deported reflects the economic migration patterns prevalent in the region. Many of these individuals enter Malaysia seeking work, often in low-wage sectors such as construction or domestic service, only to find themselves undocumented and at risk of deportation. The inclusion of children in the deportation figures—over 1,300 boys and girls—further complicates the narrative, raising concerns about family separation and the welfare of minors during such processes.
Human Rights and Legal Implications
Human rights advocates have long called for Malaysia to formalize its commitment to non-refoulement through legal mechanisms, rather than relying on policy statements that can shift with political winds. The country’s Immigration Act, under which the deportations were carried out, prioritizes border control and national security, often leaving little room for the nuanced needs of refugees and asylum seekers.
The policy of not deporting UNHCR cardholders unless for resettlement is a critical safeguard, but it applies only to those who have successfully registered with the agency—a process that can be lengthy and inaccessible for many. Estimates suggest that tens of thousands of refugees in Malaysia remain unregistered, leaving them vulnerable to arrest and removal. Moreover, the focus on resettlement as the primary solution places pressure on third countries to accept more individuals, a process that is often slow and limited by quotas.
Under international human rights norms, the principle of non-refoulement is considered binding, even for non-signatories to the Refugee Convention, as it is rooted in customary international law. Malaysia’s stated adherence to this principle is thus a positive signal, but consistent application remains a challenge. Reports from local and international organizations have occasionally documented cases where individuals with pending UNHCR claims were detained or deported, though specific instances tied to the 2025 figures are not detailed in the parliamentary reply.
Broader Implications for Malaysia’s Immigration System
The deportation of over 28,000 individuals in just six months signals the scale of Malaysia’s immigration enforcement efforts, but it also raises questions about the long-term sustainability of such measures. Deportations address immediate concerns around undocumented migration, but they do little to tackle the root causes—be it conflict in Myanmar, economic hardship in Indonesia, or systemic issues within Malaysia’s labor migration framework.
Critics argue that a more comprehensive approach is needed, one that balances enforcement with protection and addresses the structural factors driving migration. For instance, streamlining legal pathways for labor migration could reduce the number of undocumented workers, while enhanced cooperation with UNHCR could ensure better identification and protection of those fleeing persecution. Such measures, however, require political will and resources, both of which have historically been in short supply when it comes to refugee and migrant issues in Malaysia.
Economically, deportations can also have unintended consequences. Many deported individuals were likely working in sectors that rely heavily on migrant labor, such as construction, agriculture, and manufacturing. Their removal could exacerbate labor shortages, particularly as Malaysia seeks to recover from global economic challenges. At the same time, the cost of detention and deportation operations places a financial burden on the state, funds that could potentially be redirected toward prevention or integration initiatives.
Looking Ahead: Policy and Regional Cooperation
As Malaysia continues to navigate its role as a transit and destination country for migrants and refugees, the deportation figures for 2025 serve as a reminder of the scale of the challenge. Home Minister Saifuddin’s reaffirmation of non-refoulement offers a foundation for dialogue, but translating this principle into consistent, transparent action will be key to addressing both domestic and international concerns.
Regional cooperation within ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) could also play a pivotal role. While ASEAN has historically been reluctant to address refugee issues collectively, the ongoing crises in Myanmar and other parts of the region underscore the need for a coordinated response. Malaysia, as a key member of the bloc, has the opportunity to lead by example, advocating for shared responsibility and burden-sharing mechanisms that could alleviate pressure on individual states.
For now, the fate of the thousands deported in 2025—and the many more who remain in Malaysia—hangs in a delicate balance. As policies evolve and global attention on refugee protection intensifies, the question remains whether Malaysia can transform its ad hoc commitments into a robust framework that prioritizes both security and humanity.
