Written question asked by Lord Avebury (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Henley (Conservative) on Monday, 28 November 2011.

Malaysia

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government on what date Home Office officials requested a meeting with the Malaysian High Commission to discuss the practicalities of obtaining confirmation from the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs that former Malaysian citizens would be allowed to return to Malaysia and begin to resume their citizenship; and when they expect to receive a response.

Answer: On 18 July 2011 the UK Border Agency (UKBA) officials requested a meeting with the Malaysian High Commission in London to discuss the practicalities of re-acquiring Malaysian citizenship by those currently in the UK without leave who have, erroneously, renounced Malaysian citizenship in the false expectation of acquiring British citizenship. This approach followed confirmation by letter from the Malaysian Government to UKBA officials that reacquisition of Malaysian citizenship was feasible and that those who had erroneously renounced Malaysian citizenship would also be allowed to re-enter Malaysia. UKBA then received a response from the Malaysian High Commission on 4 October 2011 advising that it will not allow for reacquisition while the individual is in the UK unless there is an instruction to this effect from the Malaysian Government. UKBA officials now intend to enter into further communication with the Malaysian high commissioner in the short term.

Secondary information