Accra:A total of 6,363 citizenship applications are currently under consideration for the period from January 1, 2024, to September 30, according to Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Shamsul Anuar Nasarah.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, 16,338 citizenship applications were received during this period, with 4,583 applications approved and citizenship certificates issued. Each application is examined thoroughly based on the facts, information, documents, and supporting evidence provided by the applicant before any decision is made. The process requires detailed scrutiny, and no specific timeframe has been set for these decisions.

In response to a query from Tan Kar Hing regarding the status of citizenship and entry permit applications during the Special Chamber sitting in the Dewan Rakyat, Shamsul Anuar noted that applications through naturalization fall under Article 19(1) of the Federal Constitution. This provision applies to certain adults born overseas to Malaysian mothers, particularly those who are 21 and older and have faced challenges in meeting residency requirements for citizenship.

The criteria for these applications include residing in the Federation for at least 10 years within the 12 years preceding the application, including the 12 months immediately before the application. Applicants must intend to reside permanently in Malaysia, be of good character, and possess adequate knowledge of the Malay language. Additionally, they must obtain a Temporary Resident Identity Card (MyKAS) and hold it for at least six months before submitting their citizenship applications.