What risks do unregistered children face in Sabah?

Question

Accepted Answer

Unregistered Children in Sabah Face Detention and Statelessness

Unregistered children in Sabah face significant risks, primarily the possibility of being detained as undocumented or stateless individuals. This situation often arises when parents fail to formally register their children's birth, leaving minors vulnerable to encountering legal complications during immigration operations. Even children with a Malaysian mother, who are legally entitled to citizenship, can be jeopardised by a lack of proper documentation.
Risk of Detention as Undocumented or Illegal Immigrants

The Immigration Department frequently encounters unregistered children during raids, many of whom lack the necessary documentation to prove their legal status. Without supporting evidence of their claims or identity, these children can be legally classified as illegal immigrants. This classification can lead to their detention by authorities, regardless of their familial ties to Malaysian citizens.
Vulnerability to Statelessness

A critical risk for unregistered children is the prospect of becoming stateless. This occurs when a child is not recognised as a citizen by any country. For instance, a case involved teen siblings whose mother was a Murut from Tenom and whose father was Filipino. These siblings lived without proper documentation, were unable to attend school, and resorted to odd jobs for survival, highlighting the profound impact of lacking official status on a child's life and opportunities.
Challenges in Verifying Claims and Accessing Services

Even when children have a Malaysian parent, the absence of registration presents significant hurdles. The Immigration Department notes that while they investigate claims of local ties, they are often unable to verify them without concrete supporting evidence. This inability to confirm their status can lead to their apprehension, as observed in the case of the siblings who, despite having local features and familial confirmation, faced potential detention until referred to the National Registration Department. The lack of documentation also prevents children from accessing essential services like formal education, forcing them into informal work to make a living.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

What risks do unregistered children face in Sabah?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends