KOROR, Palau — A proposal to grant Machine Readable Convention Travel Documents (MRCTDs) to non-Palauan children adopted by Palauan citizens has been reintroduced in the Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK) after failing to pass during the 11th OEK.
The measure seeks to amend Chapter 12 of Title 13 of the Palau National Code, allowing stateless adopted children to obtain a UN-endorsed travel document. Palau’s Constitution defines citizenship strictly by ancestry, leaving some adopted children unable to obtain a passport. The bill aims to address this long-standing issue by creating a legal pathway for international travel.
Criteria for Eligibility
If enacted, the proposal would allow MRCTDs to be issued to individuals who:
- Were adopted by a Palauan citizen before turning one year old;
- Are not recognized as Palauan citizens under the Constitution; and
- Do not hold a passport from another country.
The bill also clarifies that past adoptions may be recognized under customary practices, while future adoptions must follow formal legal procedures.
Reviving a Long-Standing Concern
The issue of adopted non-citizen children lacking travel documents has been a subject of debate for over a decade. The 11th OEK previously introduced the measure, but it did not advance into law. Lawmakers argue that revisiting the bill is necessary to resolve the ongoing challenge faced by these individuals, who are part of Palauan families but remain without official nationality.
“This amendment is about ensuring that those who have been embraced by Palauan families are not left stateless and unable to travel,” lawmakers stated in the proposal. “Palau prides itself on being warm and inclusive, and this is an opportunity to reflect those values in policy.”
Travel Possibilities and Limitations
While MRCTDs resemble passports and can be presented at international borders, they do not confer citizenship and acceptance by foreign nations is not guaranteed. However, the documents are internationally recognized under United Nations guidelines and serve as the best available option for adopted children of Palauan parents who otherwise have no means to travel abroad.
If approved, the Minister of State would oversee the issuance of MRCTDs and establish regulations within a year.
With the proposal now back before the OEK, lawmakers hope to finally provide a solution for these individuals, balancing constitutional restrictions with humanitarian concerns. (By: L.N. Reklai)