Refugees’ Presence in Malaysia:

Unravelling its Pull Factors

Abstract

The research explores the demographics of refugees in Malaysia, highlighting their numbers, origins, and distribution across different states. The study identifies four key pull factors influencing refugees' choice of Malaysia as a destination: geographical, social networks, visa exemption policies, and the freedom of religion. Geographical proximity plays a significant role, as refugees choose nearby countries when fleeing conflicts. Social networks within refugee communities provide crucial information and support, reducing costs and risks associated with migration. Malaysia's visa exemption policy has made it accessible to refugees, allowing them to enter the country without visas. Additionally, the freedom to practice Islam in Malaysia attracts numerous Islamic refugees. To wrap it up, we argue, that addressing the needs and challenges of refugees in Malaysia requires a comprehensive and context-specific approach that takes these factors into account.