No significant change in the situation of Filipino refugees residing in the province of Sabah has occurred. Their protection needs vary, but those who do not have legal status or are undocumented can be subject to arrest, have no legal right to work or access to education. Most live in sub-standard conditions.
The Royal Commission of Inquiry on illegal immigrants in Sabah called for the establishment a permanent secretariat to address the issue of illegal immigrants. The secretariat will review the status of the immigrants, which could result in the revocation of documents held by immigrants who illegally obtained Malaysian citizenships. Some Filipino Muslim refugees might be affected by this verification. UNHCR will monitor the situation in Sabah; however, lack of a permanent presence will hinder effective monitoring of the situation.