Malaysian Citizenship & Stateless Children Special Series | How to Apply for Malaysian Citizenship?

🛠️ Two Main Pathways to Resolve Statelessness

Two Available Options:
Whether a child is stateless from birth or has had citizenship revoked after previously obtaining it, there are generally only two available avenues:

📌 Administrative Application
📌 Court Proceedings

Focus of This Episode:
Today, we will focus on how to submit an administrative application through the National Registration Department (JPN).

📜 The Key Provision: Article 15A of the Federal Constitution

Applicable Provision:
The most common application route is through Article 15A of the Federal Constitution.

Who May Apply:
Under special circumstances, the Government may register a person below the age of 21 as a Malaysian citizen.

The Harsh Reality:
This process falls under the Government’s discretionary power rather than being an absolute legal entitlement.

This means that even if an applicant believes that all requirements have been fully satisfied, the Government may still reject the application.

📝 Requirements for Obtaining the Application Form from JPN

Strict Screening Process:
Applicants must personally attend a JPN State Office or JPN Headquarters.

Officers will usually examine the child’s birth certificate carefully and will only issue the application form after confirming that the child is stateless.

Document Preparation:
The form will clearly state the supporting documents required and identify which documents must be notarised or certified.

⏳ The Long Waiting Period and the “Results Day” Experience

Time Commitment:
After submission, applicants must be prepared for a lengthy waiting period.

The processing period commonly takes:

📌 2 to 3 years
📌 In some cases, even 4 to 5 years

A “Ceremony-Like” Experience:
Applicants are eventually required to collect the result from the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN).

The atmosphere is often compared to an award ceremony, where officers announce the outcomes on the spot. As a result, it is common to witness some families celebrating with tears of joy while others leave disappointed.

Low Approval Rates:
In reality, many applications are unsuccessful, and some applicants receive rejection letters even after submitting multiple applications over the years.

⚠️ Lawyer’s Key Reminder: Beware of Scams and Seek Professional Advice

Be Cautious of Scams:
Many individuals claim to have “inside connections” and exploit the anxiety of parents seeking citizenship solutions.

Some collect substantial fees and disappear without providing any genuine assistance.

Seek Proper Professional Advice:
Always consult professionals who are genuinely experienced in handling these matters, such as lawyers familiar with citizenship and statelessness cases.

Do not rely on hearsay or unverified information.