Citizenship for overseas-born children in final stages

Citizenship provisions for children born overseas to Malaysian mothers are in the final stages of being implemented, according to Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. The preparations include an online application system, cooperation with Malaysian diplomatic offices abroad, and the establishment of relevant regulations. The date for the amendments to take effect has been decided by the King and will be announced after finalizing administrative matters.

The Home Minister stated that all necessary preparations, including documents and the citizenship regulations, have been completed, and confirmation has been received from the Attorney-General's Chambers. The online application system will be implemented through Malaysian representative offices around the world. The citizenship amendments are expected to provide significant relief to Malaysian women or mothers who have been waiting for the citizenship process for their children born overseas.

Currently, about 7,000 citizenship applications involving children born overseas to Malaysian mothers are pending, with only a few hundred still undecided as the ministry continues to process the older applications while awaiting the implementation of the amendments. The Home Minister's ministry is still working on resolving 4,121 outstanding citizenship applications, with a goal to decide on all of them this year.