Stateless Person Travel Document

Stateless Persons’ Document for Travel

A Stateless Persons’ Document is a travel document issued to individuals who have been recognised as stateless under the terms of the 1954 United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons. According to this convention, a stateless person is someone who is not considered a national by any country under the laws of that country.

If you have been recognised as stateless and you are residing in the UK, you may be eligible for a Stateless Persons’ Document, which will allow you to travel abroad and return to the UK.

Eligibility for a Stateless Persons’ Document

To qualify for a Stateless Persons’ Document, you must meet the following criteria:

1.Recognition as a Stateless Person: You must be formally recognised as a stateless person by the UK government under the 1954 United Nations Convention. This requires you to have received recognition from the UKBA (UK Border Agency) that confirms your stateless status.

2.Proof of Statelessness: To apply for a stateless persons’ document, you will need to provide proof of your stateless status. This includes a letter from the UKBA confirming that you have been recognised as stateless.

Conditions Under Which You Cannot Be Recognised as Stateless

You will not be recognised as stateless under the following circumstances:

•Receiving protection from UN agencies: If you are receiving assistance or protection from any United Nations agencies (other than the UNHCR – United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees).

•Recognised nationality: If the authorities of the country you reside in recognise you as a national of that country and grant you the rights and obligations attached to nationality.

•Criminal activity: If there are serious reasons to believe that you have committed:

•A crime against peace,

•A war crime,

•A crime against humanity,

•A serious non-political crime outside of your country of residence before you began living there,

•Or acts that contradict the purposes and principles of the United Nations.

If any of these apply, you may not be eligible for a Stateless Persons’ Document.

Permission to Stay in the UK

To apply for a Stateless Persons’ Document, you must have permission to stay in the UK for at least six months from the date of your application. This is because many countries require a certain length of validity for the travel document to ensure that you can return to the UK after your travels. If your permission to remain in the UK will expire in less than six months, you must apply for an extension of your stay before applying for the stateless persons’ document.

Validity of a Stateless Persons’ Document

The validity of a Stateless Persons’ Document varies based on your immigration status:

•For Adults with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): If you have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, the Stateless Persons’ Document will usually be valid for 10 years.

•For Adults with Limited Leave to Remain: If you have temporary permission to stay in the UK (known as Limited Leave to Remain), the stateless persons’ document will generally be valid for the same period as your Limited Leave to Remain, which is typically up to 5 years.

•For Children: Children cannot be included in the stateless persons’ document of their parent or guardian. They must apply for their own separate document. If the child has Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, the stateless persons’ document issued to the child will be valid for 5 years. If the child has Limited Leave to Remain, the document will be valid for the same period as their permission to stay, up to a maximum of 5 years.

Travel Validity of a Stateless Persons’ Document

A Stateless Persons’ Document is generally valid for travel to most countries. However, it is important to note that some countries may have specific entry requirements for stateless persons, so you should always check with the embassy of the country you plan to visit to confirm whether they accept the stateless persons’ document for entry.

While the document is typically recognised by many countries, some nations may require a visa, so it is essential to confirm with the relevant authorities before you make any travel arrangements.

How to Apply for a Stateless Persons’ Document

The application process for a Stateless Persons’ Document involves the following steps:

1.Complete the Application: You will need to submit an application to the Home Office for the Stateless Persons’ Document. This can typically be done online or through a paper application.

2.Provide Supporting Documents: You will need to provide supporting documentation, including:

•A letter from the UKBA confirming your stateless status.

•Proof of your identity (e.g., birth certificate or other identification documents).

•Evidence of your permission to stay in the UK, such as a visa or residence permit.

3.Biometric Information: As part of the application process, you may be required to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photographs) for your stateless persons’ document.

4.Application Fee: There is typically an application fee for the Stateless Persons’ Document. Be aware that if your application is rejected, the fee will not be refunded, especially if it is due to a lack of evidence or failure to meet the criteria.

5.Processing Time: The processing time for a Stateless Persons’ Document can vary, but it usually takes several weeks. Ensure you apply well in advance of your planned travel.

Appealing a Rejected Application

If your application for a Stateless Persons’ Document is rejected, you have the right to appeal the decision. You can appeal if you believe that the decision was incorrect or that you did not have the opportunity to present sufficient evidence supporting your claim.

Why Seek Legal Assistance?

Applying for a Stateless Persons’ Document can be complex, and ensuring that you meet all the eligibility criteria and provide the necessary documentation is crucial for a successful outcome. Working with an experienced immigration lawyer can help you navigate the process and avoid potential pitfalls.

Our immigration lawyers can assist you by:

•Assessing your eligibility for the Stateless Persons’ Document.

•Helping you gather and organize supporting evidence, including the necessary documents to prove your stateless status.

•Submitting your application to ensure it is completed accurately and on time.

•Advising you on travel restrictions and visa requirements for specific countries.

Contact Us Today

If you are stateless and need assistance applying for a Stateless Persons’ Document, contact us today. Our experienced immigration lawyers are here to guide you through every step of the process, from gathering evidence to submitting your application. Let us help you secure your travel document and make your journey as smooth as possible.