Netherlands/Iran: Penalties for citizens caught using a false passport
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 June 1999 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | ZZZ32124.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Netherlands/Iran: Penalties for citizens caught using a false passport, 1 June 1999, ZZZ32124.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ac35c.html [accessed 20 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. |
The Netherlands
No specific information concerning the penalties for citizens of The Netherlands caught using a false passport could be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.
According to a report published in De Volkskrant on 17 October 1996, members of an alien smuggling ring were arrested for, among other charges, possession and production of false passports. In the report, the Dutch Secretary of State for Home Affairs is cited as having expressed concerns regarding the ease with which the Dutch passport could be forged (ibid.). However, no information as to potential sanctions faced by those arrested was provided.
According to a report produced by the Dutch Public Prosecution Service entitled "Strategy Against Alien Smuggling," article 231 of the Dutch Criminal Code deals with false passports (n.d.). However, the report does not give any information regarding penalties.
For information concerning the consequences for non-citizens (asylum claimants and permanent residents) using false passports in the Netherlands, please consult NLD32087.E of 11 June 1999.
Iran
No specific information concerning the penalties for citizens of Iran caught using a false passport could be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate. For information concerning the use of false Iranian passports to exit Iran illegally, please consult the attachment to IRN28959.E of 26 February 1998 and IRN26159.E of 28 April 1997.
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 Response.
References
Public Prosecution Service, The Netherlands. n.d. "Strategy Against Alien Smuggling." [Internet]
De Volkskrant [Amesterdam, in Dutch]. 17 October 1996. "Gang Smuggled Illegal Aliens to U.S., Police Arrest 30." (FBIS-WEU-96-203 17 Oct. 1996/WNC)
Additional Sources Consulted
Immigration and Nationality: Law and Practice [London]. 1991-1999.
Electronic sources: IRB Databases, Internet, REFWORLD, CISNET, RFE/RL, IOM Legislation Database, WNC.
Four oral sources did not provide information within the time constraints of this Response.
