Children born abroad to Malaysian mothers now eligible for automatic citizenship
PUTRAJAYA, June 4, 2026 – Malaysian Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail announced the enforcement of long-awaited constitutional amendments that grant equal citizenship rights to children born overseas to Malaysian mothers married to foreigners.
The reform, which takes effect in June 2026, ends decades of unequal treatment under the Federal Constitution. Previously, only children of Malaysian fathers married to foreign spouses received automatic citizenship by operation of law. Children of Malaysian mothers faced a more complicated registration process, often leading to statelessness or prolonged bureaucratic hurdles.
“After 69 years, discrimination against Malaysian women in citizenship matters has finally been terminated,” Saifuddin stated in a post on X. He highlighted the emotional toll on affected families, referencing cases where children questioned why they could not attend school like their peers.
The amendment primarily updates Article 14(1)(b) of the Federal Constitution, replacing gender-specific language to allow citizenship transmission through either parent. The change was prioritised by the Madani government since 2023, passed by Parliament in October 2024, and gazetted as Act 1752.
Saifuddin described the move as a major achievement for gender equality and justice for Malaysian mothers. He noted that preparatory work, including updating regulations in Malay and English and notifying Malaysian missions worldwide, is underway to ensure smooth implementation.
The reform has been widely welcomed by rights groups, including SUHAKAM’s Office of the Children’s Commissioner, as a step forward in protecting children’s right to nationality. However, some advocates have pointed out that the changes are not retrospective, meaning families with children born before the enforcement date may still need to apply through existing registration channels.
This development aligns with broader institutional reforms under the Pakatan Harapan-led government, which has positioned the amendment as proof of its commitment to equality and delivery on promises.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has urged affected families to stay updated through official channels as implementation guidelines are rolled out in the coming weeks.
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