Adult Social Care Glossary, v 0.6

A stateless person is one who is denied the right to citizenship or permanent residence in their home country or in any other country where s/he was previously resident. There are several reasons why a person can become stateless and you can find out more about this on the Free Movement website. A stateless person is not necessarily at risk of harm, but they may face serious discrimination through having their civil, legal, and social rights reduced or removed. The UK has ratified the United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons.

A stateless person can be granted leave in the same way as any other non-UK national (e.g. as a student, worker permit holder etc.) but can also apply for five years' leave from the Home Office for that reason. The Home Office guidance says that they usually only do this if the applicant does not meet the criteria for asylum or qualify for leave under any other category – although the law (Immigration Rules, part 14) does not strictly require this.. A person who is granted stateless leave gets five years' limited leave after which she/he can apply for indefinite leave to remain.