Access to vaccines
London, England: Paul, a
recognized stateless person.
© UNHCR/ Katie Barlow
vaccine, the authorities have conducted an information campaign in different languages and are collaborating with NGOs to reach all such persons.
passports or ID, including stateless refugees, can
register for the vaccine platform using the UNHCR registration certificate number.
To respond to the challenge of some people lacking
identity documents, a number of States have adopted
alternative arrangements:
Certain countries have included stateless persons in
their national healthcare system, which enables them
to access vaccines:
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In Uganda, the Government rolled out a nationwide vaccination plan for all persons on its
territory starting with those assessed to be most
at risk. To receive a vaccine, an identity document generally needs to be furnished, but those
without any type of identity document can obtain
an introduction letter from their local authorities
to receive the vaccine.
In Kenya, a person generally needs to show an
identity document to be vaccinated. The Government has indicated however that those who
qualify for vaccination but who do not have an
identity document can obtain letters from local
authorities which can be used for vaccine registration.
Jordan commenced vaccinations in January
2021 and announced that all persons living on
Jordanian soil are eligible to receive a vaccine
free of charge. In addition, refugees who have no
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In Kazakhstan, free medical assistance in relation to COVID-19 is provided to non-nationals,
including refugees, asylum-seekers and stateless
persons. Refugees and recognized stateless
persons are included in the COVID-19 national
vaccination plan.13
In February 2021, Colombia announced the
grant of temporary legal status for ten years to
all Venezuelan migrants who entered the country
prior to 2021. This is a critical step, as it allows for
Venezuelans to access national health services,
including vaccination campaigns.
In September 2020, Thailand included more
than 3,000 undocumented stateless students in
its national healthcare system by granting them
an ID number in the National Healthcare Fund for
Persons with Legal Status Problems.
THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON STATELESS POPULATIONS