How many stateless Malaysians face NRD application backlogs?

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Over 300,000 stateless Malaysians nationwide face significant delays and low success rates with National Registration Department (NRD) applications, with processing times averaging three years for identity cards and up to five years for citizenship.

In Penang, a specific programme has assisted 654 individuals in applying for crucial documents since February 2013, but only 44 applications, representing less than 10 per cent, have been successful. The majority of these cases, 591 in total, remain pending, with 358 awaiting citizenship and 233 for identity cards and birth certificates.
Significant Processing Delays Identified

The National Registration Department's (NRD) bureaucratic processes are cited as a major impediment to resolving statelessness. For stateless individuals seeking identity cards, the NRD averages three years for processing. Applications for citizenship are subject to even longer waits, with an average processing time of up to five years. In some instances, these applications have been known to drag on for over a decade, with one case reportedly unresolved for 11 years.
Low Success Rate for Applications

Out of 654 individuals assisted by a specific programme in Penang over a three-year period, only 44 applications for birth certificates, identity cards, or citizenships were approved. This results in a success rate of under 10 per cent. Of the total applications processed, 19 were rejected, while the substantial remainder are still pending departmental review.
Large Number of Pending Cases

Currently, 591 cases related to stateless individuals remain in a pending status within the NRD system. The breakdown indicates that 358 of these pending applications are for citizenship, a complex and lengthy process. An additional 233 applications are for identity cards and birth certificates, which are fundamental documents for establishing legal identity.
General Context of Statelessness in Malaysia

While specific figures for NRD backlogs across all states are not detailed, it is understood that approximately 300,000 stateless Malaysians exist throughout the country. The challenges faced by stateless individuals in obtaining essential documentation highlight a broader issue of bureaucratic hurdles and prolonged processing times that affect a significant population seeking legal recognition and rights.

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How many stateless Malaysians face NRD application backlogs?

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