International migration management regimes have gained importance worldwide with the acceleration and intensification of global migration and mobility. This article examines the governance of irregular migration in Sabah, Malaysia, with a particular focus on the role of Alternative Learning Centers (ALCs) with the case study of Indonesian and Filipino irregular immigrants. It critically explores the structural challenges of migration governance, Malaysia's deep reliance on migrant labor, through repertoires of migration governance. Given the persistent influx of irregular migrants into Sabah, this study highlights the pressing need for research on migrants’ restricted access to fundamental rights, particularly in the areas of education and social integration. Additionally, it seeks to understand the role of ALCs as key facilitators in addressing migration challenges and fostering community resilience. Employing a qualitative research approach, this study integrates ethnographic fieldwork with semistructured interviews conducted with irregular immigrants, grassroots organization members, and civil society activists. By examining migration policies, international legal frameworks, and the perspectives of both migrants and nongovernmental organizations, the findings reveal that ALCs and grassroots initiatives play a pivotal role in bridging the gaps left by formal migration governance structures. The analysis demonstrates that ALCs in Sabah serve as critical institutions for education and social inclusion among irregular migrant children. This study advocates for the adoption of human-centered policies that prioritize the dignity and well-being of irregular migrants and calls for the implementation of more comprehensive, rights-based migration governance frameworks in Sabah, Malaysia.
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