Migrant Networks, Citizenship, and Security in Sabah: A Research Note

Abstract

This study explores the role of migrant networks in shaping issues of citizenship and security in Sabah, Malaysia, with a focus on Filipino and Indonesian migrant communities. Drawing on a qualitative ethnographic approach, the research examines how these networks enable migrants to navigate complex legal and social landscapes, while also influencing local attitudes and government policies. Despite their significant contributions to Sabah’s economy and cultural fabric, migrants face considerable challenges related to legal recognition and social inclusion. The study advocates for migration policies that prioritise integration over exclusion and calls for a nuanced approach to security that balances national interests with the protection of migrants’ human rights. The findings underscore the importance of inclusive policies that enhance migrants’ access to legal residency, basic services, and meaningful community participation. This research contributes to ongoing debates on migration, citizenship, and security in Malaysia and similar sociopolitical contexts.