Pyithu Hluttaw discusses citizenship of children born abroad nationals abroad

June 21, 2017

CHILDREN born to Myanmar nationals working abroad are not automatically eligible for Myanmar citizenship, according to U Thein Swe, Union Minister for Labour, Immigration and Population, who replied to a question posed by Dr Daw Khin Sithu of Loikaw constituency.

“It is a special case to give out legal birth certificates to children born of Myanmar migrant workers who are abroad,” he said. “Preparations are being made to lay down strategies and protocols in cooperation with respective ministries, region and state cabinets and health departments and international organizations.”

Myanmar nationals who moved abroad and acquired new citizenship, or other Myanmar nationals who have otherwise lost or reliqnuished Myanmar citizenship must also apply for Myanmar citizenship for their offspring, according to U Thein Swe.

Only the children of Myanmar citizens born in Myanmar will be regarded as Myanmar citizens, according to the law, U Thein Swe said.

The union minister said that a panel has been formed to review the process by which the citizenship of children born to former Myanmar nationals and Myanmar citizens working abroadis determined.

Provided that applications are submitted with birth certificates attached children born overseas, former Myanmar citizens and their children born abroad are eligible to apply for Myanmar citizenship, he said.
“If the review panel recommends that they should be recognized as Myanmar citizens, they will enjoy rights and privileges of Myanmar citizens with the approval of the government,” he said. Myanmar parents and guardians of children born abroad are required to inform the Myanmar embassy or consulate of their children’s birth within one year with birth certificates attached, the minister said.

Respective embassies and consulates will give out form (Naing) 8, certificates of birth in exotic locations.

Kyaw Thu Htet 

(Myanmar News Agency)

Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar