Huge response to regularising stateless status in UAE

Abu Dhabi: From hope to dismay, emotions ran high as the registration process for the stateless got under way on Sunday morning.

A total of 7,873 people submitted applications across the emirates to legalise their status as UAE citizens on the first day of registration on Sunday, a Ministry of Interior statement said.

"Its not just an issue of nationality. It is everything - right to work, to study, to get medical care and much more," said an applicant.

Several families returned in dismay for not being able to submit their forms.

Qu'aed Nasser, who holds a Yemeni passport, claimed to have papers from the Diwan of Rulers promising nationality. However, only those who hold no nationality were allowed to submit applications.