Kuala lumpur: The Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2024 on citizenship is anticipated to be enforced in June or July next year, announced Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. He mentioned that the Bill is under review by several parties, including the National Registration Department, and will be implemented once it receives consent from His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Saifuddin stated, "Next year, it (the Bill) will come into force. Around June or July, once His Majesty gives his consent. We are currently making preparations. The amendments in Parliament have been completed, but implementation will be next year because it involves procurement, changes to forms and so on." He made these remarks during the 2026 Budget Dialogue with Home Ministry stakeholders.
The Dewan Rakyat passed the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2024 on citizenship with a more than two-thirds majority on October 17, 2024. The amendment allows children born abroad to a Malaysian mother to obtain citizenship by operation of law, previously limited to those with a Malaysian father. This change aims to reinforce principles of justice, equality, and transparency in citizenship granting, aligning with current realities and national aspirations.
Saifuddin Nasution addressed concerns about dual citizenship, emphasizing that children must decide on their Malaysian citizenship status upon reaching 18. "Our Constitution does not allow dual citizenship. (So) we say at the age of 18, they choose whether to follow the citizenship of the mother or the father," he explained.
In a related update, Saifuddin highlighted that the Immigration Department has reduced the processing time for entry permit applications to six months once complete documents are submitted. "Starting Sept 1, a new SOP will take effect. As soon as an entry permit application is made by a foreign spouse, the decision will be issued within six months," he stated. An entry permit allows foreigners to enter and reside in Malaysia for purposes such as studying or joining a family.
Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah and the ministry's secretary-general, Datuk Awang Alik Jeman, were also present at the dialogue. Various inputs and suggestions from Home Ministry stakeholders on security aspects were gathered to ensure that Budget 2026 is prepared in a holistic and inclusive manner.