KURDWATCH, May 31, 2011—The first ajanib (registered stateless) have been naturalized in al-Malikiyah (Derik). To apply for naturalization, one must submit an individual extract from the register of foreigners, as well as three passport photos. Family members who have reached their fourteenth birthday must submit their application in person and pick up their identity card themselves at the civil registry office. All children listed in the family extract from the register of foreigners will also be listed in the family register, including those living abroad. However, these children can only receive their identity cards after appearing in person. An application for naturalization takes at least four weeks to process. The implementation of naturalization procedures in al-Malikiyah confirm the Interior Ministry’s claims that the naturalization of ajanib has begun.