Right to Citizenship.
Why is it useful in your everyday life?
Some persons, although they have lived in the same place for many years, have not acquired the citizenship from the state which they come from. Stateless persons often do not have any document proving who they are, so they often do not have access to public services or medical care and cannot travel. Many persons can be refugees and stateless at the same time.
Problems you may face
- A stateless person is often unable to work and support his/her family. He/She is forced to work illegally and is often exploited in his work.
- A stateless couple cannot marry legally and cannot officially register the birth of their children.
- A stateless person may not have the right to see a doctor or receive medication.
Possible solutions and answers
- If you are a stateless refugee, you are protected by refugee law.
In Greece, there are specific procedures for a person to be naturalized as a Greek citizen. You will have to live legally in Greece for several consecutive years, but again the conditions are not the same for everyone. Keep all the papers you may have that prove that you and your family live in Greece, because all these papers will be needed in your application.
- I am a recognized refugee in Greece, can I obtain Greek citizenship?
Yes. After 7 years of permanent and legal residence you can start the process. You need a lot of paperwork and you will have to wait for a long time. Be careful! There are restrictions if you have been convicted of an offense by a Greek Court. In this case you should advise a lawyer.
- Can my children who go to a Greek school apply for naturalization?
Yes. There are different procedures depending on whether they were born in Greece or not and how many years they go to a Greek school.