Informing People, Transforming Lives
Helping refugees establish legal status and documentation
The Registration Department of Zomi Association of Malaysia is dedicated to assisting Zomi refugees with UNHCR registration, documentation, and legal status issues. We serve as a critical bridge between the refugee community and UNHCR, helping individuals navigate complex registration processes and maintain valid documentation that provides protection and access to services.
In Malaysia, UNHCR registration and documentation is essential for refugees, as it provides a level of protection from arrest and detention, facilitates access to healthcare and education, and is necessary for any eventual resettlement consideration. Our department works to ensure that all eligible community members can access and maintain this crucial documentation.
The Registration Department was established in 2007 to address the growing need for documentation support among Zomi refugees in Malaysia. What began as informal assistance has developed into a structured department with trained staff, established relationships with UNHCR, and comprehensive support systems to assist refugees throughout their documentation journey.
Over the years, we have helped thousands of refugees obtain and renew their UNHCR cards, navigate registration processes, and address documentation challenges. Our experienced team understands both UNHCR procedures and the specific challenges faced by the Zomi community.
Our Registration Department volunteers assisting community members
Comprehensive documentation support for the Zomi refugee community
We help refugees navigate the UNHCR registration process, from initial appointment scheduling to interview preparation and follow-up. Our team provides guidance on documentation requirements and procedures.
Our trained translators accompany refugees to UNHCR interviews and appointments, ensuring effective communication and accurate documentation of their cases. We also translate supporting documents when needed.
We assist refugees with UNHCR card renewal processes, helping them maintain valid documentation. This includes renewal appointment scheduling, document updates, and addressing any issues with existing cards.
We help refugees organize, store, and maintain important documents, ensuring they have access to necessary paperwork for UNHCR processes, healthcare, education, and other services.
We help refugees check the status of their UNHCR applications, communicate with UNHCR about their cases, and understand next steps in their registration or renewal processes.
We provide education about refugee rights, UNHCR processes, and the importance of documentation. Our workshops and information sessions help refugees understand and navigate the complex documentation landscape.
Understanding the journey to refugee documentation
When a refugee seeks documentation assistance, our team conducts an initial assessment to understand their situation, documentation history, and specific needs. We explain the UNHCR registration process and what to expect.
We help refugees gather and organize necessary documents for registration, including identification documents (if available), proof of persecution, and other supporting evidence. We assist with translations when needed.
Our team helps schedule an appointment with UNHCR and prepares the refugee for the registration interview. We provide guidance on what questions to expect and how to articulate their case clearly.
Our trained translators accompany refugees to their UNHCR interviews, providing translation services and emotional support. We ensure that refugees can fully communicate their circumstances and understand the process.
After the interview, we help refugees understand next steps, check on application status, and address any additional document requests from UNHCR. We maintain communication throughout the waiting period.
Once a UNHCR card is issued, we educate refugees on its proper use, importance, and renewal process. We set up reminders for renewal dates and provide ongoing support for maintaining valid documentation.
Addressing the obstacles refugees face in obtaining documentation
Refugees often face lengthy waiting periods for UNHCR registration appointments and card issuance, sometimes extending to months or even years.
We advocate for urgent cases, provide interim support letters, and help refugees understand and prepare for the waiting period. We also maintain regular communication with UNHCR about case status.
Many refugees struggle to communicate effectively during UNHCR interviews due to language differences, potentially affecting the accuracy of their case assessment.
Our trained translators provide accurate translation services during interviews, ensuring that refugees can fully express their experiences and circumstances to UNHCR officials.
Many refugees flee without important identification documents, making it challenging to establish their identity and history for registration purposes.
We help refugees identify alternative forms of evidence, collect testimonies, and prepare comprehensive statements that can support their claims even without traditional documentation.
UNHCR procedures and requirements can change, making it difficult for refugees to stay informed about current processes and expectations.
We maintain regular communication with UNHCR, attend NGO briefings, and quickly disseminate updated information to our community through information sessions and direct outreach.
Real experiences highlighting the impact of our registration support
"When I arrived in Malaysia, my husband had already obtained his UNHCR card, but I struggled with the registration process. The ZAM Registration Department helped me prepare my case, accompanied me to interviews, and advocated for family unity. Thanks to their assistance, I received my UNHCR card, which allowed us to be registered as a family unit. This was crucial when we were later considered for resettlement, ensuring we could remain together."
"I fled Myanmar without any identification documents, which made the registration process extremely difficult. ZAM's Registration Department helped me gather evidence of my background, prepared me for detailed questions about my hometown, and even connected me with other community members who could verify my identity. Their knowledge of both UNHCR requirements and my cultural context was invaluable. After an initial rejection, they helped me appeal and eventually receive my refugee card."
"I was detained by Malaysian authorities before I could register with UNHCR. The ZAM Registration Department worked tirelessly to coordinate with UNHCR for a special registration process while I was in detention. Their intervention and persistent follow-up led to my release and subsequent registration. Without their help navigating the complex procedures for detained asylum seekers, I might have faced deportation rather than receiving the protection I desperately needed."
Working together to improve registration processes
Zomi Association of Malaysia has developed a productive working relationship with UNHCR Malaysia over many years. This partnership is crucial to our ability to effectively support refugees through the registration process.
Through this partnership, we work to improve registration outcomes for the Zomi refugee community while providing UNHCR with valuable community insights that enhance their ability to assess and support refugee cases.
The Registration Department is looking for volunteers with language skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to helping refugees navigate complex documentation processes. Whether you have legal knowledge, language abilities, or organizational skills, you can make a significant difference in helping refugees obtain the documentation they need for protection and services.
Reach out for registration assistance or information
(603) 2142 6659 ext. 2
For registration inquiries and appointments
registration@zam.org.my
For information and documentation questions
155 (A), 1st Floor, Jalan Maharajalela
50150 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Registration assistance hours:
Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cung Lian
Contact via office phone or email
If you or someone you know needs help with UNHCR registration or documentation, please contact us. We're here to help.
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