Mustafa Abdul Ghafoor

Mustafa Abdul Ghafoor is a PhD candidate in the School of Social Science at the University of Queensland. His PhD research focuses on forced migration, with a particular emphasis on the lived experiences of Afghan refugees navigating legal exclusion and socio-economic marginalisation in Southeast Asia, specifically Malaysia and Indonesia. He is especially interested in examining informal survival strategies and how regional migration frameworks influence displaced populations. Drawing on his background in public policy and political science, his work explores key issues related to labour integration, host-refugee dynamics, and the broader implications for Australia's regional migration challenges. Mustafa’s research ultimately aims to translate into impactful policy papers that contribute to evidence-based, inclusive refugee strategies for both Southeast Asian nations and Australian policymakers.

Research Interests

Refugees and Immigration, Forced Migration, Refugee Integration, Public Policy, Resettlement, Public Perceptions, Refugee Entrepreneurship

Qualifications

Master of Public Policy, INPUMA, University of Malaya (2025)

Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Course, University of Leeds (2026)

B.H.Sc. in Political Science (Honours), International Islamic University Malaysia (2022)

Publications

Ghafoor, M. A. (2025). Between Humanitarian Duty and National Concerns: Malaysian University Students' Perceptions of Afghan Refugees. AMECRD Journal. DOI: https://rb.gy/4r94v7

Ghafoor, M. A. (2025). Strategic Labour Integration in Malaysia: Afghan Skilled Refugees and the Case for Regional Leadership. Bait Al-Amanah. DOI: https://shorturl.at/A0KHU

Awards

International Excellence Scholarship, University of Leeds (2025)

Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS) (2023)

IIUM Undergraduate Ummatic Scholarship (2020)