KUCHING: Stateless individuals awaiting citizenship decisions have been urged to apply for temporary D6 documents to enable easier access to basic services, particularly education.
Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the documents serve as temporary identification for stateless individuals while their citizenship applications under Article 15A of the Federal Constitution are still being processed.
“In the interim period while waiting for citizenship approval, applicants can apply for D6 documents so that the children have supporting documents,” she told reporters after chairing the Special Committee on Citizenship Status meeting here on Monday (May 25).
Fatimah said the initiative falls under the jurisdiction of the Sarawak government and approvals could be issued more quickly compared to citizenship applications.
She noted that some applicants were still unaware of the availability of the D6 documents and encouraged affected families to apply as soon as possible.
At the same time, she reminded parents not to delay citizenship applications for their children as a new age limit under Article 15A would take effect beginning June 1.
“Starting June 1, only applicants aged 18 and below will be eligible to apply under Article 15A.”
Fatimah explained that applicants above 18 years old would instead need to go through the naturalisation process under Article 19, which takes longer.
She also advised unsuccessful applicants not to lose hope and to submit fresh applications if necessary.
“Sometimes applications may fail because documents are incomplete or due to other technical reasons.
“We encourage them to reapply and ensure all supporting documents are properly prepared,” she said, adding that the temporary D6 documents could help stateless children continue their education while awaiting decisions on their citizenship applications.
