Citizenship for overseas-born children in final stages

Citizenship provisions for children born overseas to Malaysian mothers are in the final stages of preparation for implementation, according to Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. The preparations encompass citizenship regulations and the development of an online application system, with Malaysian diplomatic offices abroad set to play a role in the process.

The date for the citizenship amendments to take effect has been determined by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and will be announced once administrative matters are finalized.

Saifuddin confirmed that the ministry has completed all preparations, including the necessary documents and citizenship regulations, and has received confirmation from the Attorney-General's Chambers. The implementation of the amendments is expected to provide significant relief to Malaysian women or mothers awaiting the citizenship process for their children born overseas.

Around 7,000 citizenship applications involving children born overseas to Malaysian mothers have been submitted, with only a few hundred remaining undecided as the ministry continues processing older applications and waits for the amendments to take effect.

The Home Minister emphasized that the ministry is still working to resolve 4,121 outstanding citizenship applications, with the goal of deciding on all of them this year.