This research paper offers a comparative analysis of current nationality laws in the Middle East and North Africa, paying particular attention to the identification of elements or gaps that may contribute to the creation, perpetuation or prolongation of statelessness. It is accompanied by an annex in which the comparative analysis of some of the central rules relating to the acquisition and loss of nationality are set out in the form of analytical tables. It looks at how the broad concepts of connectedness, belonging and loyalty have been transposed into individual provisions, in particular in regulating acquisition of nationality (at birth and later, through naturalisation) and in stipulating the conditions for the change or withdrawal of nationality. After dealing with these main components, the report also comments on the specific issue of discrimination in nationality policy in the region as well as on procedural features of MENA’s nationality laws. The analysis of this report closes with a section that comments on some of the most significant challenges that have been identified in terms of the implementation of the MENA region’s nationality laws. Finally, a conclusion summarises the main findings of the report and offers some recommendations with regard to how the nationality law regimes in the MENA could be strengthened in order to better respond to the challenge of statelessness.

Publication details and link to source: Laura Van Waas, ‘A Comparative Analysis of Nationality Laws in the MENA Region’, Tilburg Law School Working Papers series, September 2014.