4.3 Limits of statistical data and estimated number of stateless persons in the Czech Republic As shown above, determining the exact number of stateless persons based on publicly available statistics remains challenging. The analysis clearly shows the limitations in validity of the existing available data on statelessness. Major limitations which may cause discrepancies include: 1 Insufficient links between the registers collecting data on stateless persons; 2 Inadequate setting of statistical code lists, including the absence of an appropriate category to indicate statelessness; 3 Statistics only capturing stateless persons legally staying in the country; 4 Unclear methodological guidelines for determining whether a given person is to be recorded in the “stateless” category or not. The lack of consistency in the recorded number of stateless persons can be illustrated by the data for 2011. MoI statistics indicate that there were 750 stateless persons residing in the Czech Republic in the given year (excluding stateless persons with international protection). By contrast, 1,502 participants in the 2011 Census identified themselves as stateless, while the CSO’s statistics indicate 609 stateless persons. Information on the number of stateless persons with any type of international protection are unavailable for 2011. As stated above, the numbers of stateless persons living in the Czech Republic irregularly are not shown in the statistical records. Similarly, the information on other life events that concern stateless persons is rather incomplete. The category of Palestinians is recorded separately, regardless of the fact that it also includes stateless persons. Moreover, the publicly available statistics do not contain any information on the number of applications for determining statelessness lodged pursuant to Section 8 (d) of the Asylum Act. An estimate total number of stateless persons currently living in the Czech Republic can be based on the following conclusions. While it is not entirely possible to determine the exact number of recorded stateless persons residing regularly in the Czech Republic, it can be inferred that it ranges between 700 and 800 persons. However, the actual number of stateless persons in the Czech Republic is likely higher, considering the above-mentioned limitations. The lack of information on persons staying in the country without documentation shows that a group of stateless persons who are not recorded in the statistics may be significant. In order to assess the size of this group, it is plausible to use the outcome of the 2011 Census according to which approximately 1,500 stateless persons reside in the Czech Republic. While this figure is also rather an estimate, it can still serve as a useful point of reference as it, at least partially, may have recorded stateless persons who live in the Czech Republic undocumented. Based on this, it can be concluded that there are up to 1,500 stateless persons in total living currently in the Czech Republic. 32 Faces of Statelessness in the Czech Republic