political reasons, are now required to comply with sometimes insurmountable administrative procedures in order to ‘register’ or ‘restore’ their citizenship. People who have been denationalised by their country of birth due to a Convention reason, often race, political opinion or impugned (foreign or dual) nationality, may very well qualify under the law for refugee status. The UK and the US have recognised such claims, specifically those involving denationalised Ethiopians of Eritrean ethnicity and denationalised Estonians of Russian ethnicity.134 Even in these countries applicants have succeeded only by appealing to the higher courts with the assistance of legal representation. The complexity of these cases requires more attention and education of Home Affairs officials in South Africa, as well as access to affordable legal services for asylum-seekers with such claims. 133 International Committee of the Red Cross annual reports for 2005, 2006 and 2007. Those allowed to stay and register for resident permits are not allowed to work nor are they issued exit visas allowing them to leave. In effect, they are aliens (United Kingdom Border Agency, ‘Eritrea – Country of Origin Information Report’ (2009), para. 30.05-07. 134 See Stserba v Holder, 646 F.3d 968 (US) and ST Ethiopia UK (2011) IAC. 100 Promoting citizenship and preventing statelessness in South Africa: A practitioner’s guide