CChapter 3: Comparative analysis of nationality laws 3.2.4. Naturalisation and political participation As described above, naturalisation can be far easier to achieve in one state than another and it may also be facilitated or obstructed for particular groups. However, once an applicant is successful, naturalisation results in a person’s inclusion as a full member of the political community of the state. Yet, in the next section, the circumstances in which a nationality acquired by naturalisation may be withdrawn will be set out and it will become apparent that a nationality acquired by naturalisation is generally more precarious a status than a nationality acquired by birth. Moreover, when exploring the effects of naturalisation in terms of an individual’s ability to exercise the political rights attached to membership of the state, there are also indications that to be admitted to a body of nationals through naturalisation is not necessarily an immediate guarantee of full and equal participation. In fact, in the MENA region, there are a multitude of restrictions in place with regards to the enjoyment of political rights by (newly) naturalised nationals. Across all countries in the MENA, there is, at a minimum, a waiting period between naturalisation and eligibility to full political participation – i.e. to holding the political rights enjoyed by those who were nationals from birth. The time period in question differs from 109