Information on why the Iranian Embassy in Canada requires "an original certificate proving that the non-Muslim woman has converted to Islam" when registering the marriage between an Iranian man and a foreign woman, in light of a 2000 circular issued by the Registration Department in Iran that abolished questions of religion on application to register a marriage
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 October 2001 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | ZZZ37896.E |
| Reference | 2 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Information on why the Iranian Embassy in Canada requires "an original certificate proving that the non-Muslim woman has converted to Islam" when registering the marriage between an Iranian man and a foreign woman, in light of a 2000 circular issued by the Registration Department in Iran that abolished questions of religion on application to register a marriage, 1 October 2001, ZZZ37896.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3df4bed70.html [accessed 26 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. |
An official at the Consular Affairs Section of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Ottawa confirmed that in order to register a marriage between a Muslim Iranian man and a non-Muslim woman, whether in Iran or abroad, a certificate proving that the woman has converted to Islam is required. She also confirmed that in order for such a marriage to occur, the non-Muslim woman must first convert to Islam. This information is corroborated on the Websites of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in London and of the Interests Section of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, DC.
The Research Directorate was unable to confirm among the sources consulted within the time constraints of this Response whether the requirement to declare one's religion upon registration of marriage was in fact abolished in Iran as reported by the Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations Office at Geneva, and initially documented by the Special Representative of the Commission on Human Rights in a September 2000 report on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran (UN 8 Sep. 2000).
A March 2001 Resolution adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations regarding the situation of human rights in Iran notes "legal changes recently put into effect within the Iranian judicial system by which members of religious minorities are no longer obliged to state their religion when applying for a marriage licence" (UN 12 Mar. 2001)
The following information was received during a telephone interview with a member of the Imam Khoiee Foundation in London, England. This foundation is listed on the Website of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in London as an official agent of the registry of Iranian marriage and divorce in the United Kingdom.
There are two types of marriage that are legal under civil law in Iran. The first type is marriage between two Muslims. In this case, a Muslim man may choose to marry a woman who is not Muslim, but who belongs to one of the "Divine religions" (Christianity, Judaism or Zoroastrianism). The non-Muslim woman must convert to Islam, and a certificate of proof is required at the time of registration.
The second type of marriage is referred to as a provisional, or fixed-time marriage. In this instance a Muslim man may marry a non-Muslim woman belonging to one of the "Divine religions" without her having to convert to Islam. The duration of the marriage is "fixed," referring to the length of time agreed upon by both parties at the time of marriage. This type of marriage is also performed between two Muslims.
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate 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. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.
References
Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Consular Affairs Section, Ottawa. 25 September 2001. Telephone interview with consulate official.
Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, London.
Imam Khoiee Foundation, London. 1 October 2001. Telephone interview with member.
Interests Section of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Embassy of Pakistan, Washington, DC.
United Nations General Assembly. 12 March 2001. (A/RES/55/114). Resolution Adopted by the General Assembly: 55/114 Situation of Human Rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
_____. 8 September 2000. (A/55/363) Situation of Human Rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Additional Sources Consulted
IRB Databases
Annual Report for International Religious Freedom: Iran
Bureau of Consular Affairs: Iran (US DOS)
Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations, New York.
Travel Information and Advisory Reports (DFAIT)
Internet sites including:
About.com
Saitama University
