Although it may seem like a distant or exceptional concept, statelessness is a reality that affects millions of people around the world. Understanding what it is, how it occurs, and what its legal and social implications are is essential.
Who is a stateless person?
A stateless person is someone who does not have a nationality recognized by any country — in other words, no State considers them a citizen under its laws. This can happen for various reasons, such as conflicts between nationality laws, discrimination, the disappearance of States, or lack of birth registration. Stateless persons often face major obstacles in accessing fundamental rights such as education, health care, employment, or identity documents, leaving them in a highly vulnerable situation.
How to apply for stateless status
Panama is a signatory to the 1954 United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons and recently approved Executive Decree No. 10 of January 5, 2019, which regulates the procedure for the recognition of statelessness.
The procedure for the recognition of statelessness is completely FREE and CONFIDENTIAL.
Who can apply?
Anyone who is not recognized as a national by any country.
Where is the application submitted?
Before the Directorate of International Legal Affairs and Treaties of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is the competent authority to receive, process, and declare—through a reasoned resolution—the recognition of statelessness, as well as to coordinate the necessary actions with other institutions and actors.
What does the process include?
- Submission of a formal application.
- Evaluation of documentation and interview.
- Issuance of a reasoned resolution recognizing or not the condition of being stateless.
Contact for more information
- Phone: (507) 511-4228 / 4129 / 4235
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: mire.gob.pa/apatrida
What are the rights of stateless persons?
- No sanction for entering the country irregularly
- Not to be rejected at the border or point of entry into the country
- Not to be expelled or returned to a territory where their life or physical integrity would be at risk
- Access to education, health care, housing, and employment
- The right to remain legally in the country as an applicant for statelessness status or as a recognized stateless person