13
14
15
In light of the impact on persons unable to meet the criteria under the no-fault
procedure, the Dutch authorities may wish to consider partially redistributing the
burden of proof to reflect the considerable difference in resources and influence
between State and individual, so that a decision can be reached within a reasonable
time frame.
Restraint should be exercised in issuing declarations of undesirability on account
of illegal presence to unreturnable persons. Such a declaration has the effect of
criminalizing and penalizing their presence on Dutch territory, when it may be
legally and practically impossible to return them through no fault of their own. This
can result in a damaging cycle of arrest, detention, release, rearrest and renewed
detention. It makes a solution to the situation of this category of people even less
attainable.
One way to facilitate the return to countries of origin of stateless persons and/or
persons of unknown nationality who have expressed a wish to return, would be
for the Dutch authorities to increase cooperation with countries of origin. If there
are indications that the embassy concerned would be more likely to respond to a
government request, then it could be useful to make an official request regarding
the individual’s nationality and return, rather than expecting this to be done by the
individual.
Provision of documentation and issuance of residence permits
16
17
62
UNHCR recommends that during a statelessness determination procedure and/
or during a no-fault residence permit procedure, applicants be issued an identity
document, so that they can fulfil the Dutch legal requirement of always being able
to identify themselves. A temporary residence permit should be issued for the
duration of the relevant procedure.
It is recommended that recognition of statelessness should generally result in the
issuance of a residence permit. In some cases it may not be appropriate to do
so, for example, where a stateless person enjoys the right of residence in another
State and is able to return and live there with full respect for their human rights.
Such a residence permit could, for example, be on at least a one-year renewable
basis. Possession of a residence permit would enable full enjoyment of the rights
set out in the 1954 Convention.
Mapping statelessness