The Republic of Moldova In 2011, the Republic of Moldova adopted legislation establishing an SDP by introducing Chapter X (1) to the Law on the Regime of Foreigners (Moldovan Law).43 This legislation contains detailed provisions on how the procedure is to be conducted. An application for statelessness status can be initiated either by an individual or ex officio by the Bureau for Migration and Asylum of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (Bureau for Migration and Asylum). There is a specialized administrative unit dealing with statelessness and information within the Asylum and Integration Directorate under the Bureau for Migration and Asylum. An application can be submitted orally or in writing and is free of charge. Applicants who are unable to speak the State language will be provided with an interpreter and applicants have the right to legal representation. The application must contain a clear and detailed description of the facts, including evidence to substantiate a claim for statelessness, and must indicate an individual’s place of birth, parentage and countries of habitual residence. If the applicant is not able to submit any documents for reasons beyond their control, the competent authority for foreigners will make a decision on their stateless status based on the available documents (Article 87(6)). Upon submitting the application, the competent authority for foreigners will verbally advise the applicant of his or her rights and obligations during the procedure. The Moldovan Law requires that applicants are granted an interview within 15 working days following the submission of an application. The interview must be recorded in writing and include information on the applicant’s identity; the type of evidence submitted; details regarding any submitted documents, such as validity, place of issuance and issuing authority; civil status; employment; education; and place of residence in the Republic of Moldova. During the interview, the applicant is required to explain the reasons for submitting a statelessness application and present any additional available evidence. Applicants for statelessness status will be granted the right to stay in the Republic of Moldova during the examination of their claim and can only be removed from the territory for reasons of national security and public order. Applicants have the right to 43 Law on Amendment and Completion of Certain Legislative Document, adopted by the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova on 28 December 2011, available at: http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/4fbdf6662.htm U N H C R > G P P AC T I O N 6 : E S TA B L I S H I N G S TAT E L E S S N E S S D E T E R M I N AT I O N P R O C E D U R E S 35