The Alliance of Chin Refugees (ACR) recently held discussions with Australian Senator Dean Smith in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to explore the potential resettlement of Chin refugees from Malaysia to Australia.
Representatives from several Chin refugee organizations in Malaysia, including the ACR, the Chin Refugee Committee (CRC), and the Falam Refugee Organization (FRO), gathered to address the challenges surrounding resettlement.
On January 19, the ACR announced that discussions had taken place from 11 to 13 January regarding third-country resettlement for Chin refugees and delays in their visa applications. ACR Chairman James, who attended the meeting, described it as “positive and hopeful” when speaking to Mizzima.
During the discussions, James highlighted the delays experienced by refugee families applying for asylum in Australia, as well as the difficulties they are currently facing in Malaysia. Senator Dean Smith expressed his commitment to addressing the issues related to Myanmar, pledging to raise the topic with the Australian government through parliamentary questions.
The meeting also included the participation of other Australian senators, leaders from Chin refugee organizations, Pu Renny Ceu Lian Mang from the Australia Chin Federation, and representatives from various ethnic communities.
Additionally, the Australian Refugee Council announced plans to accept 20,000 refugees from overseas for the 2025–2026 period.
Senator Smith engaged with leaders of Chin refugee organizations, held discussions with officials from the UNHCR and the Australian Embassy in Malaysia, and visited Chin refugee schools and organizational offices in Kuala Lumpur, according to an ACR statement.
Local newspapers reported that the Immigration Department arrested 89 Myanmar nationals for illegal residence in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor on 17 January, followed by another 15 arrests in Kelantan on 19 January.
The ACR chairman cautioned that these recent arrests, which have been occurring day and night – sometimes even within people’s homes – underscore the urgent need for refugees to live quietly, avoid criminal activity, and maintain harmony with their surroundings.
He noted that there are between 300,000 and 400,000 Myanmar nationals in Malaysia and stressed the importance of registering as refugees. Without a refugee card, securing employment can be difficult, and access to essential services such as food and security may be limited.
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