CChapter 3: Comparative analysis of nationality laws 3.3 Renunciation, loss and deprivation of nationality Nationality is not necessarily a fixed status. Under international law, a person enjoys the right to change his or her nationality,148 should the desire and opportunity arise. A common way to do this is to take up a new nationality through naturalisation – as outlined above. In such circumstances, a person may want to give up his or her original nationality, or may be compelled to do so by the laws of the respective states if they do not tolerate dual nationality. At the same time, a person may also have their nationality revoked for a variety of reasons relating broadly to the (presumed) lapse or change of allegiance and/ or to behaviour that is considered unbefitting of a national. In the sections below, MENA’s rules relating to voluntary renunciation of nationality, loss and deprivation of nationality and the question of whether the withdrawal of nationality has an effect on the status of dependents, are outlined. Again, particular attention is paid to the question of whether these rules provide enough protection against statelessness. 148 - Article 15 (2) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; article 29(3) of the Arab Charter of Human Rights. 113