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Adopting from Malaysia

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

The Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Panorma of Kuala Lumpur.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

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Source: flickr.com.

The Batu Caves outside Kuaa Lumpur.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

A Malaysian family.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

The Selat Melaka ("Malacca Strait") mosque, built on the beach on Melaka
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Welcoming contingent of different tribes at Hari Merdeka.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

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Source: bigfoot.com.


Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating international adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry Universal Accreditation Act.

The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed and qualified professional. While the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.


About Malaysia

During the late 18th and 19th centuries, Great Britain established colonies and protectorates in the area of current Malaysia; these were occupied by Japan from 1942 to 1945. In 1948, the British-ruled territories on the Malay Peninsula except Singapore formed the Federation of Malaya, which became independent in 1957. To learn more please read About Malaysia.


Hague Convention Information

Malaysia is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 204.3 as it relates to orphans as defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F). To learn more please read about Malaysia and the Hague Convention.

Who Can Adopt

In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet multiple requirements in order to adopt a child from Malaysia. To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Malaysia.


Who Can Be Adopted

In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, Malaysia has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. To learn more please read about Who Can Be Adopted from Malaysia.


How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Malaysian Adoption Authority

Family and Children’s Division, Social Welfare Department, Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development


The Process

The process for adopting a child from Malaysia generally includes the following steps:


  1. Choose an adoption service provider
  2. Apply to be found eligible to adopt
  3. Be matched with a child
  4. Adopt [or gain custody of] the child in Malaysia
  5. Apply for the child to be found eligible for orphan status
  6. Bring your child home

To learn more about this process please read about How to Adopt from Malaysia.


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Maylaysia. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. To learn more please read about Traveling Abroad in Malaysia.


After Adoption

After the adoption is finalized, adoptive parents have legal custody of the child and are not subject to any other restrictions or investigations related to the adoption process. Parents must remember to obtain the child’s amended birth certificate from the National Registration Department.

Post-Adoption Resources

Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. There are many public and private nonprofit post-adoption services available for children and their families. There are also numerous adoptive family support groups and adoptee organizations active in the United States that provide a network of options for adoptees who seek out other adoptees from the same country of origin. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family, whether it is another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.


Here are some places to start your support group search:


Child Welfare Information Gateway

North American Council on Adoptable Children

Adoption Services Support Groups for Adopting Persons


NOTE: Inclusion of non-U.S. government links does not imply endorsement of contents.


Contact Information

U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur

376 Jalan Tun Razak 50400 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Tel: (6)(03) 2168-5000 Fax: (6)(03) 248-5801 Email: klconsular@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur


Malaysian Adoption Authority:

Family and Children’s Division Social Welfare Department Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development 21-23rd Floor, Menara Tun Ismail Mohd Ali Jalan Raja Laut 50562 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Tel: (60)(3) 2616-5802 – General Line; (60)(3) 2616-5865 – Adoption Email: rosmaini@kempadu.gov.my

National Registration Department

Ministry of Home Affairs Lot 2G5, Precinct 2 Federal Government Administrative Centre 62100 Federal Territory of Putrajaya Tel: (60)(3) 8880-7000 Fax: (60)(3) 8880-7059 Internet: National Registration Department


Embassy of Malaysia

3516 International Court N.W. Washington, D.C. 20008 Tel: 202-572-9700 Fax: 202-572-9882 Email: malwashdc@kln.gov.my

Malaysia also has consulates in: New York City and Los Angeles and a Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York City.


Office of Children's Issues

U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs SA-17, 9th Floor Washington, DC 20522-1709 Tel: 1-888-407-4747 Email: AskCI@state.gov Internet: U.S. Department of State


U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

For questions about immigration procedures: National Customer Service Center (NCSC) Tel: 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833) Internet: USCIS


For questions about filing a Form I-600A or I-600 petition: National Benefits Center Tel: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local) Email: NBC.Adoptions@DHS.gov


SOURCE

Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=malaysia