Economic outcomes, aspirations and human capital building of Rohingya refugees in Malaysia / Sazlin Suhalmie Mohd Shariff

This study focuses on the economic outcomes of Rohingya refugees, with a specific emphasis on identifying the factors that contribute to their income and employment in Malaysia. Additionally, the study explores the aspirations and resettlement plans of Rohingya refugees and aims to identify the strategies they employ to develop their human capital, ultimately facilitating their successful resettlement. The data for this study was collected from Rohingya refugees, who constitute the largest refugee population in Malaysia. To gather information, a quantitative survey was conducted, involving 200 respondents residing in the Klang Valley areas. Additionally, qualitative interviews were conducted with 10 Rohingya refugees currently residing in Malaysia. Furthermore, face-to-face semi-structured interviews were carried out with 6 respondents who had been resettled in third countries. Binary logistic regression was employed to examine the employment status of Rohingya refugees, while multiple regression analysis was used to analyse their income levels. Thematic analysis was utilised to explore the aspirations, resettlement plans, and strategies employed by Rohingya refugees to develop their human capital. The findings reveal that Rohingya refugees with strong connections to the Malaysian community are more likely to secure employment, and networks within the Rohingya community help them share coping mechanisms and find employers offering higher incomes. Proficiency in the Malay language is also identified as crucial for achieving higher income levels. Thematic analysis indicates that education is the top priority for Rohingya refugees in terms of their livelihood aspirations, followed by the pursuit of citizenship in a country. As a community, most Rohingya refugees aspire to establish educated communities, and reuniting with their separated families is a primary family aspiration. In terms of long-term aspirations, the majority of Rohingya refugees express a desire to resettle in a third country. In terms of building their human capital, attending training programs offered by employers or NGOs is the most common strategy, followed by enrolling in refugee schools or schools operated by NGOs. In conclusion, this study recommends a dual approach that considers Malaysia's commitment to hosting refugees temporarily while also addressing the need for a long-term solution that involves facilitating their return home or resettlement in a third country.