Malaysia
Automatic Citizenship for Children Born Abroad to Malaysian Mothers Set for Mid-2026, Says Home Minister: Malaysian mothers married to foreign husbands can finally look forward to long-awaited relief. The government is actively preparing to grant automatic Malaysian citizenship to their children born abroad, with implementation expected by mid-2026, according to Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
In an exclusive interview with Bernama, led by editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, Saifuddin confirmed that the initiative is progressing steadily. He explained that the preparation involves updating registration systems, redesigning official forms, and notifying all Malaysian diplomatic missions worldwide.
Amendments in Final Review Stage
Furthermore, Saifuddin revealed that the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) is in the final phase of reviewing amendments to several key acts, regulations, and procedures. Parliament had already approved the historic constitutional amendment last year, paving the way for gender-equal citizenship rights.
“The review will also cover amendments to the Nationality Regulations 1964 and the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1957,” he said. Once finalized, these changes will ensure that children born overseas to Malaysian mothers and foreign fathers will automatically receive Malaysian citizenship.
Seamless Registration for Overseas Mothers
Moreover, Saifuddin clarified that when the amendment takes effect, Malaysian mothers living abroad will be able to register their children’s births directly at Malaysian embassies. The issued birth certificates will immediately confirm the children as Malaysian citizens, eliminating years of uncertainty and lengthy appeals.
A Historic Step Toward Equality
On October 17 last year, the Dewan Rakyat made history by passing the Constitution Amendment Bill 2024 on citizenship with an overwhelming two-thirds majority. Previously, only children born abroad to Malaysian fathers automatically qualified for citizenship, creating decades of inequality for Malaysian women.
The new amendment corrects that imbalance. It guarantees automatic citizenship for children born abroad to Malaysian mothers married to foreign men, reflecting the nation’s commitment to justice, equality, and transparency.
Strengthening Constitutional Fairness
Saifuddin emphasized that the reform marks a major step forward for women’s rights in Malaysia. “This amendment upholds the equality principle enshrined in our Constitution and ensures fairness for Malaysian women residing overseas,” he said.
With implementation targeted for mid-2026, the government’s actions reflect Malaysia’s evolving societal realities and its aspiration to protect families, regardless of whether citizenship is passed down by a father or a mother.
