This article analyses the legal framework for the protection of stateless persons in Germany. In particular, it explains the definition of a stateless person under German law, the availability of protection outside the context of asylum procedures, access to travel documents and naturalization. This work identifies the following major problems: gaps in the applicable laws, differences of treatment and implementation due to the decentralized system of adjudication, application of readmission agreements to stateless persons, restrictive naturalization requirements. As a consequence, stateless persons' chances of obtaining protection and a long-term solution are reduced. It is argued that the adoption of specific determination procedures and recognition of stateless status as a protection ground at the Federal level are essential safeguards in this context and the German government should take additional steps in this regard. © 2014 by Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, The Netherlands.

1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons protection of stateless persons in Germany statelessness

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