Overview:
A new Senate bill in Palau is putting a spotlight on a small but often overlooked group—stateless individuals raised by Palauan families who still lack legal identity. Lawmakers say the proposal could finally offer a path forward—without changing the Constitution. But is it enough?
Measure seeks to help adopted, non-ancestry residents without altering constitutional citizenship rules
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang
NGERULMUD, Palau (April 24, 2026) — A group of senators has introduced legislation to create a legal pathway for stateless individuals raised in Palau to obtain Palauan nationality, aiming to address a long-standing gap without conflicting with the Constitution’s definition of citizenship.
The bill, introduced Tuesday by 12 senators, seeks to amend Title 13 of the Palau National Code, also known as the Immigration and Labor Act, to establish a naturalization process for certain qualified individuals who are currently considered stateless.
The measure targets individuals who were adopted by Palauan parents but lack recognized Palauan ancestry under Article III of the Constitution, which limits citizenship to those of Palauan descent. As a result, these individuals remain non-citizens despite being born and raised in Palau.
Sen. Siegfried Nakamura, speaking on the proposal, said many of those affected have spent their entire lives in Palau but face significant restrictions.
“Over the years, many persons who, although they do not have Palauan ancestry, were adopted by Palauan parents and raised as their own are stuck here,” Nakamura said. “They miss out on higher education opportunities, off-island travel and other basic rights because they cannot obtain passports or legal status.”
The bill would allow eligible individuals to apply for a “Certificate of Palauan Nationality,” granting them the right to reside legally in Palau, work without a permit and obtain a Palauan passport.
To qualify, applicants must meet strict criteria, including being born in Palau, residing in the country for at least 25 years, being adopted by at least one Palauan citizen parent and having no felony convictions.
Lawmakers estimate that at least 20 individuals could qualify under the proposal. Some currently face penalties, including overstay fines, due to their lack of legal status.
The measure includes a one-year application window following its effective date.
While the bill provides a pathway to nationality, it maintains clear distinctions from constitutional citizenship. Recipients would not be allowed to vote, hold public office or own land or marine resources, and would still be subject to Foreign Investment Board requirements for business activities.
Lawmakers said the approach is designed to address humanitarian concerns while preserving the constitutional framework governing citizenship.
A related bill introduced the same day in the House of Delegates would authorize machine-readable travel documents for stateless individuals, offering an additional mechanism to ease mobility restrictions.
Similar proposals have been raised in previous congresses, including during the 2004 Constitutional Convention, but have not advanced.
The Senate bill remains in its introductory stage and has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary and Governmental Affairs. A public hearing is expected.
