Croatia: Information on the documents required at the borders for men of draft age who seek to exit Croatia
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 May 1994 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | HRV17419.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Croatia: Information on the documents required at the borders for men of draft age who seek to exit Croatia, 1 May 1994, HRV17419.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6abc240.html [accessed 1 June 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. |
According to a representative at the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Washington, DC, men of draft age must, by law, obtain permission to leave the country from the military office (27 May 1994). He indicated that, accordingly, in addition to their passport, men of draft age have to provide a document issued by the military office granting permission to exit the country (ibid.). He further indicated that, although this additional document is required by law, officials at the border seldom ask for it (ibid.).
The representative also indicated that, until the age of 30, men of draft age can ask for deferral of their military service; however, such permission is granted only for specific reasons, such as studies or work abroad (ibid.). He also indicated that, in cases where individuals have dual citizenship, military service is not required and is performed only when the individual asks to serve (ibid.).
Country Reports 1993 indicates that there are restrictions on freedom of movement for "all male citizens from the age of 18 through 55, in the cities and areas close to the demarcation lines (Osijek, Karlovac, Zadar, and Sisak)" (1994, 838). This source also indicates that men of draft age must request permission from the local municipal draft board to exit Croatia (ibid.).
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.
References
Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1993. 1994. United States Department of State. Washington, DC: United States Government Printing Office.
Embassy of the Republic of Croatia, Washington, DC. 27 May 1994. Telephone interview with a representative.
