CChapter 3: Comparative analysis of nationality laws disabilities” is ineligible for naturalisation.131 In Tunisia, an applicant for naturalisation may not have a “physical state making them a burden or danger to the community”,132 which may also be interpreted to the detriment of persons with certain disabilities. This type of clause not only violates international standards of equal treatment, it may form a real obstacle to naturalisation, including where the applicant is stateless and this procedure would otherwise offer a solution. Meanwhile, in Mauritania, not only are there criteria within the naturalisation provisions that discriminates against persons with disabilities, but if a person who has successfully naturalised is subsequently found, within a year, “to be physically or mentally disabled”, this nationality can be withdrawn – even if this renders the person stateless.133 Other, less common, preconditions for naturalisation may also pose an insurmountable obstacle for some individuals and can block the route to nationality for stateless people resident in the country. For instance, in Kuwait, “belonging” is defined not just on linguistic, but also religious grounds: an applicant must know the Arabic language and be Muslim in order to naturalise – preventing any non-Muslim from acquiring 131 - Article 4(c), Syria Nationality Law No. 276, 1969. 132 - Article 23(4), Tunisian Nationality Code (Decree No. 63-6), 1963. 133 - Articles 19(1) and 14, 1961-112 Law on Mauritanian Nationality, 1961. 101