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Question

Inquiry Regarding Options for Statelessness Determination in Germany

  • January 8, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 21 views

Asad Rahji

Dear Sir/Madam,

My name is Asad Rahji, and I am a 3rd generation Palestinian refugee from Syria. I hold a Travel Document for Palestinian Refugees (1948) and I am registered with UNRWA.

I am currently residing in Hungary on a job-seeking residence permit, which is still valid for five more months. However, due to Decree 450/2024, third‑country nationals (except citizens of Georgia, Armenia, and the Philippines) are effectively prevented from obtaining a work permit. This makes it nearly impossible for me to secure legal employment, and my financial resources are almost exhausted. I am at real risk of becoming homeless soon.

Returning to Syria is not an option for me due to the current situation there, and also because I belong to a Christian minority, which places me at additional risk.

I am considering traveling to Germany to apply for statelessness determination only. I do not wish to apply for asylum, as I have lived my entire life as a stateless refugee and I am trying to avoid entering another asylum procedure if possible.

I attempted to explore the statelessness procedure here in Hungary, but I was informed that the process is extremely long, may take years, and provides no support, no social assistance, and no access to normal employment during the entire period. Even if successful, I was told that I would still require a work permit tied to a specific employer.

Given my situation, I would like to ask:

- Is it possible for me to apply for statelessness determination in Germany while entering legally with my Hungarian residence permit?  
- Would Germany provide basic support or legal stay during the processing period?  
- Is this a realistic and lawful solution for someone in my circumstances?  

I would be very grateful for any guidance, clarification, or suggestions you may have.

Thank you in advance for your time and assistance.

Kind regards,  
Asad Rahji

2 replies

Asad Rahji
  • Author
  • Companion
  • January 8, 2026

@Christiana please if you can help with these questions because I am at a risky situation right now


  • Statefree Team
  • January 12, 2026

Dear ​@Asad Rahji ,

Thank you very much for reaching out and for sharing your situation with us. We are very sorry to hear about the difficult circumstances you are currently facing.

With regard to your questions, it is important to clarify that Germany does not have a formal statelessness determination procedure (SDP). This means that there is currently no clear legal pathway in Germany for the recognition of statelessness as a status, nor a dedicated procedure that would automatically grant a secure legal stay, access to social assistance or work rights during such a process. 

Because statelessness procedures and the rights attached to them vary significantly across Europe, we strongly recommend consulting the Statelessness Index, which provides up-to-date, country-specific information on:

  • Whether a statelessness determination procedure exists
  • Who can apply and under what conditions
  • What rights and forms of support are available during and after the procedure

This may help you identify European countries where a formal procedure is in place and where access to status and basic rights is clearer.

In addition, if you have not already done so, we highly recommend contacting the Hungarian Helsinki Committee. They are a key reference organization on statelessness in Hungary and have extensive experience supporting stateless persons. They may be able to provide tailored advice based on your circumstances.

We recognize how urgent your situation is and we truly hope that you are able to access appropriate support and protection as soon as possible. While we regret that we cannot offer a more immediate solution, we hope these resources will be helpful in guiding your next steps.

We wish you strength and clarity during this challenging time.

Best regards,
Aleksandra & the Team