THE article titled “Refugee sting of shame of being foreign” published by The Star was a touching one that requires a deeper reflection on the status of refugees in our own country.

Even though the writer, who is a refugee from Iran, wrote of his experience in the United States, it has great relevance to our country.  

Malaysia hosts many refugees, from Myanmar, Syria, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Somalia and beyond. There are more than 170,000 refugees and asylum seekers registered with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Kuala Lumpur, with many more unregistered.

The reality is some of them might be working but could be undergoing severe stress due the absence of legal recognition.

In its political manifesto, Pakatan Harapan promised to “legitimise refugee status by providing them with UNHCR cards and ensuring their legal right to work”.

It added that their work rights will be “at par with locals”, indicating a commitment to equality under the law. To date, nothing concrete has been done to fulfil the promises of the manifesto.

Refugees who leave their countries of origin due to economic hardships and war are human beings with great stories about their lives as portrayed by the author of the article.

It is sad that realities of life of refugees are not brought into our mainstream discourse. It is important to note there is a distinction between refugees who are force to live their home countries due to war and famine, and migrant workers who voluntarily come to the country as cheap labour.

There are various point of view concerning refugees. Some would say giving refugees legal status to work would reduce chances for locals to obtain jobs and this would bring down the salary of Malaysian workers.

On the other side, there are those who are in the opinion that refugees with various talents could be utilised productively for the good of the country.

Some take nationalistic tone by claiming that flood of refugees could change the unique cultural make up of Malaysian society.

The truth is the life, aspiration and challenges facing refugees are not part of this discourse. This is a great injustice to the refugees.

The solution lies not in taking on a partisan perspective but the ability to come up with common understanding of the dignity of the refugees and its relation to principles of fundamental rights to work and healthcare.

Given opportunities to work could help showcase their talents and abilities which could help the country prosper as well as prepare them to go back with dignity when their home countries have recovered. 

Refugees deserve a just remuneration like all. Work gives men and women dignity.

What more when there is an abundance of refugee talents could be utilised in sector where there is a shortage of workers or expertise that could be derived from those who are professionals.

In Iran, refugees who are skilled professionals are given the right to work and earn a living. There is a win-win situation in giving refugees the right to work.

The 1951 refugee convention that asserts the core principles on non-refoulement – a refugee should not be returned to a country where they face serious threats to their lives or freedom, has become a customary international law.

If this is so, it’s only logical to give refugees legal status to work and access to medical care without discrimination. It is hoped that Pakatan Harapan government will adhere to its manifesto to give refugees the legal status to work. – July 17, 2019.

* Ronald Benjamin is the secretary to the Association for Community and Dialogue.