Stateless children in Sarawak to get temporary documents so they can go to school

SIBU: Sarawak will issue temporary documents to stateless children to ensure they are able to attend school when the new term begins on March 20, 2023.

"When the new school term begins in March next year, we want to ensure children whose citizenship status has not been determined yet can get to school," said Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah at a roadshow on the temporary documents for community leaders on Monday (Dec 12).

She said about 100 applications for temporary documents had been received by respective district offices since applications opened on Nov 1.

Three roadshows on the temporary documents have been held from September to December this year.

She said this was a Sarawak government initiative which started this year to give stateless children access to education and health facilities.

"This temporary document is issued to individuals born in Sarawak aged 21 years and below and can only be used in the state," she emphasised.

Only those who have applied for citizenship under Article 15A of the Federal Constitution can apply for the temporary document.