Great news for Malaysian mothers with foreign spouses!

The Malaysian government has announced plans to grant automatic Malaysian citizenship to their children born abroad. The plan is actively underway and is set to be implemented by mid-2026.

Image Credit: Utusan

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the plan includes preparing new registration forms, updating systems, and informing all Malaysian diplomatic missions worldwide.

For context, on 17 October, 2024, the Dewan Rakyat made history by passing the Constitution Amendment Bill 2004 on citizenship with a two-thirds majority.

The amendment, among other changes, ensures that children born overseas to Malaysian mothers married to foreign men will automatically acquire Malaysian citizenship, a right previously granted only if the father was a Malaysian citizen.

Image Credit: Malay Mail

In a report by The Star, Saifuddin added that the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) is in the final stages of reviewing amendments to acts, regulations, and related processes.

“When this amendment takes effect, Malaysian mothers married to foreign men and residing abroad will be able to register their children's births at the embassy, and the birth certificates issued will confirm their status as Malaysian citizens,” he said.

Featured Image Credit: Malaysiakini, Aditya Romansa l Unsplash