Algeria: Information on whether political dissidents in Algeria, such as members of the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS), can be refused passage at borders or at international airports, on whether strict methods of identity verification are enforced by border guards or customs officials, on whether officials working at border crossings and international airports collaborate with the government's efforts to repress political dissidents and on the risks political dissidents face when trying to exit or re-enter Algeria
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 June 1995 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | DZA20978.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Algeria: Information on whether political dissidents in Algeria, such as members of the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS), can be refused passage at borders or at international airports, on whether strict methods of identity verification are enforced by border guards or customs officials, on whether officials working at border crossings and international airports collaborate with the government's efforts to repress political dissidents and on the risks political dissidents face when trying to exit or re-enter Algeria, 1 June 1995, DZA20978.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ab7040.html [accessed 7 October 2022] |
| 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 DIRB cannot speculate on possible situations, but can only report on subjects covered by different publicly available sources. However, the following comments were provided in a 6 June 1995 interview with an officer with expertise in Algeria from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Ottawa.
Political dissidents can be refused passage at borders depending on who they are and what they have done. The source stated that it is incorrect to make a general statement concerning political dissidents, since many factors will determine whether or not a specific person will be refused passage at a given border. However, a well-known active supporter of the Armed Islamic Group (GIA) or a member of the armed wing of the FIS who tries to leave from the airport in Algiers will likely have more trouble than an unknown and/or inactive supporter of the FIS who tries to leave the country from a city other than the capital.
There is an identity verification process carried out by customs officials at airports but as of April 1994 there was no computer verification performed at the Algiers airport.
The source indicated that it is also incorrect to refer to FIS members since there are no FIS members per se but only supporters with different degrees of involvement. For information on the closure of the border between Algeria and Morocco, please consult the attached articles.
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
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Ottawa. 6 June 1995. Interview with an official.
Attachments
Agence France Presse (AFP). 30 August 1994. "Mise en garde du FIS au Maroc à la suite de l'instauration du visa pour les Algériens." (NEXIS)
BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. 1 September 1994. "FIS Issues Warning to Morocco over Treatment of Algerians." (NEXIS)
Maghreb Confidentiel []. 16 February 1995. "De Rome à Rabat: les rencontres de l'opposition." (NEXIS)
