Nationality and Cases of Statelessness in the Middle East and North Africa 3.6 Concluding observations The nationality laws in operation in the Middle East and North Africa make very interesting material for a comparative study: there are some clear trends in the way the rules on acquisition and loss of nationality have been formulated, as well as some very unique particularities – both in individual countries in the MENA and in the region as compared to other parts of the world. In respect of the general trends in the region it is apparent, for instance, that jus sanguinis (nationality by descent) is the preferred means of attributing nationality at birth, while jus soli provisions (nationality by birthplace) are more rare and subject to various further conditions.218 There are also broad similarities in the approach to naturalisation. Although the exact eligibility conditions do vary – for instance, there are significant differences when it comes to the length of residence required for naturalisation – most MENA countries set a similar mix of language, good character, income and physical/mental health requirements. Another commonality in the MENA region is that most states enjoy considerable powers when it comes to the loss and deprivation of nationality. With the exception of Lebanon, where the grounds established in the law for loss and 218 - Compare Table 1 with Table 2 in the annex to this report. 162