An IMGW News Report
Portugal may soon offer nationality to stateless individuals who have lived in the country for at least three years, under a new proposal by the green political party, Livre. The bill, set for discussion in Parliament, requires applicants to demonstrate proficiency in Portuguese and pose no threat to national security.
A stateless person, as defined by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), is someone who is not considered a national by any country under its laws. Stateless individuals often lack basic rights, including access to education, healthcare, and employment, leaving them vulnerable to discrimination and human rights violations.
This initiative builds on Portugal’s existing efforts to address statelessness. In 2023, a law was passed defining stateless persons and granting them travel documents and legal recognition. However, further legislation is needed to establish a clear process for determining stateless status.
If approved, the new proposal could benefit individuals born in former Portuguese colonies who lost their nationality after independence, as well as undocumented children and refugees from regions such as Palestine, Iraq, and Western Sahara.
Cláudia Pedrosa, from the Portuguese Council for Refugees, emphasised the severe impact of statelessness, highlighting that those without nationality often suffer significant human rights violations.
Portugal has long upheld inclusive citizenship policies. Under current law, children born in the country to foreign parents can obtain nationality if one parent has legally resided in Portugal for at least five years, and the child has attended school.
By advancing this proposal, Portugal continues its commitment to human rights, aligning with international efforts to reduce statelessness.
