Yemen: Information on the meaning of the sentence "Somalis who enter Yemen can apply to become citizens" in Response to Information Request YEM19485.E, and whether the application procedures are easier for a Somali who was born in Yemen
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 September 1995 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | YEM21868.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Yemen: Information on the meaning of the sentence "Somalis who enter Yemen can apply to become citizens" in Response to Information Request YEM19485.E, and whether the application procedures are easier for a Somali who was born in Yemen, 1 September 1995, YEM21868.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6aca454.html [accessed 29 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
The following information comes from the Consul of the Embassy of Yemen in Washington (5 Sept. 1995). The Consul reiterated that "Somalis who enter Yemen can apply to become citizen", however, he stated that their final status will be determined by the Ministry of the Interior.
The Consul added that, as a general rule, Somalis or any other people entering Yemen legally (for example, with a work permit) can apply for citizenship after 5 years of permanent residence in the country. A person born in Yemen of parents who entered Yemen legally is entitled to request Yemeni citizenship. If the person born in Yemen obtains Yemeni citizenship, it will be automatically granted to his/her parents. The Consul was unable to provide information on whether Somali refugees were considered legal or illegal residents in Yemen.
For cases where parents came to Yemen illegally, the child would have to present his/her case to the Ministry of the Interior upon reaching adulthood. The Consul was unable to provide information on whether Yemeni citizenship would be granted.
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
Reference
Embassy of Yemen, Washington, DC. 5 September 1995. Telephone interview with the Consul.
