PRACTICAL GUIDE ON NATIONALITY previously held, with or without acquisition of a new one. Conversely, it can also lead to widespread statelessness where action on the part of individuals is required to confirm or acquire the new nationality and this action has not taken place (e.g. deadlines are missed, marginalised or vulnerable individuals are unaware that they need to take action or are excluded from this process, including due to discrimination). • Some states have rules in relation to automatic revocation of nationality. For example, nationals who have left their country or reside abroad may lose their nationality automatically after a certain period of time or may lose it if they have not taken certain administrative steps to register abroad with their national authorities. You will find further information on how these elements affect the determination of the country of reference and the examination of the need for international protection in Sections 4. Special situations in acquiring or losing nationality and 7. Nationality and acts of persecution or serious harm. If none of the means to acquire a nationality are fulfilled in the individual case of the applicant, or if it appears that the applicant has lost the only nationality that they held, this is an indication that the applicant is stateless. Indicators of nationality and how to use them The indicators, which are described below, should be considered in conjunction with available country of origin information (COI) regarding the law and practice of the potential country(ies) of nationality at the time of the (possible) acquisition or loss and with reference to the applicant’s statements and documents. On the importance of COI and how COI should be used in determining nationality, see Section 5.3. Country of origin information. This list of potentially relevant indicators is not exhaustive as the assessment must be adapted to the circumstances of the individual case. (a) Birth in a country The nationality law of some countries provides for the acquisition of nationality on the basis of birth on their territory (jus soli). Therefore, an applicant who was born in a country where jus soli applies could be considered as a national of that country. However, additional conditions, such as the parent’s legal residence, may apply (see also Section 2.1. Modes of acquisition of nationality). When an applicant was born in a country other than that of which they claim to be a national, and where jus soli applies, this could mean that the applicant has either more than one nationality or only the nationality of the country where they were born. You should explore this possibility further with the applicant. 25