Jesuit Refugee Service UK, together with Asylum Aid, The University of Liverpool Law Clinic, the European Network on Statelessness and JustRight Scotland, have authored a comprehensive briefing addressing the challenges faced by stateless people in the UK. Stateless individuals, not recognised as nationals by any country, live in a legal limbo that excludes them from social, economic, and civic life. This lack of recognition often leads to barriers in accessing essential services, and legal advice, leaving many vulnerable to exploitation and destitution.
The briefing highlights significant shortcomings in the UK’s statelessness determination procedure, including delays, lack of safeguards, and limited access to legal aid. It also raises concerns about the impact citizenship fees on stateless people, and of recent policy changes on family reunification.
The authors propose clear steps for reform, such as improving the determination process, increasing access to legal support, protecting stateless individuals from detention, and removing barriers to citizenship. These changes are vital to ensure that stateless individuals can access the protection they need and move forward with their lives.
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