166 - 168 through, for example, improved consular assistance or a change in policy with regard to consular assistance for such individuals. Where the prospects of national protection appear more distant, it is recommended to enhance the status of de facto stateless persons through the grant of a residence permit similar to those granted to persons who are recognised as stateless pursuant to the 1954 Convention. In general, the fact that de facto stateless persons have a nationality means that return to their country of nationality is the preferred durable solution. However, where the obstacles to return prove intractable, practical and humanitarian considerations point towards local solutions through naturalization as the appropriate response. PART THREE 168. 59