ETHICS Before every individual interview, interviewees were required to give informed consent by signing the information and consent sheet provided in English or Arabic. Where interviewees could not read the consent form, interpreters explained the contents to them. The research touched on several sensitive topics. Therefore, interviewers ensured that the confidential and voluntary nature of the process was clearly explained to all who took part. At the start of every interview, interviewees were informed that they did not have to talk about topics that they did not wish to discuss and that they were free to leave at any time should they feel uncomfortable. It was made clear to all interviewees that speaking to UNHCR would not impact their immigration status in the UK or entitlements to any benefits. CHALLENGES & LIMITATIONS The research relied on the perspectives of those who volunteered to take part in interviews. While every effort was made to reach a wide range of those with statelessness leave and outstanding statelessness leave applications, they were not easy to reach and some potential interviewees were not available or willing to participate. We had hoped to interview a larger number of women for the study, given the unique protection challenges that women can face based on their gender; however, it was a challenge to locate women who were within the remit of the research. The number of persons who participated in the study is small. This may be indicative of the relatively small numbers of persons with statelessness leave or outstanding applications in the UK. Therefore, the findings and recommendations should be considered indicative rather than demonstrative of the broader situation. With regard to these interviews, it should be noted that no extensive fact-check or legal review of each individual case was conducted. This report recounts the personal experiences of the interviewees, from their own perspectives. 26 Statelessness Leave Applicant photographed in London. © UNHCR/Katie Barlow.