Iran: Age at which an Iranian male is banned from travel outside Iran in anticipation of military service
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 5 December 2002 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | IRN40324.E |
| Reference | 2 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Iran: Age at which an Iranian male is banned from travel outside Iran in anticipation of military service, 5 December 2002, IRN40324.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3f7d4dae31.html [accessed 17 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. |
Further to information provided in the May 1997 IRB Issue Paper Human Rights in Iran: Update on Selected Issues, IRN22273.E of 22 January 1996 (which refers to males over 15 years of age potentially encountering difficulties exiting the country without special permission from authorities) and earlier Responses, no reference to a ban on foreign travel for Iranian males of any age could be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.
Country Reports 2001 states that "the Government requires exit permits (a validation stamp placed in the traveller's passport) for draft-age men and citizens who are politically suspect," adding that "some citizens, particularly those whose skills are in short supply and who were educated at government expense, had to post bonds to obtain exit permits" (Couintry Reports 2001 2002, Sec. 2.d).
A recent United States Consular Information Sheet states that "U.S.-Iranian dual nationals are subject to Iranian laws, which impose special obligations upon Iranian nationals, such as military service or taxes," and adds that "exit permits for departure from Iran may be denied until such obligations are met" (United States 26 Feb. 2002).
The Citizenship and Immigration Canada sponsorship form for a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, or dependent child from Iran and other countries identifies the documents required for processing a sponsorship visa application (Canada n.d.). Residents of Iran need a military service card "where applicable," and "[o]riginal police clearance issued by the Penal Record and Pardon Bureau, Ministry of Justice, for ... all dependents 16 years of age and over" (ibid.).
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
Canada. Citizenship and Immigration Canada. n.d. "Sponsoring a Spouse, Common-Law or Conjugal Partner, or Child." (IMM 3911 E [06-2002]). Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2001. 2002. "Iran." United States Department of State. Washington, DC. United States of America (U.S.). U.S. Department of State. 26 February 2002. Consular Information Sheet: Iran. Additional Sources Consulted
Amnesty International Annual Report, 1995-2002
Embassy of Iran, Ottawa
Human Rights Watch World Report, 1995-2002
IRB Databases
Travel Information Manual, 1998-2002
Internet sites and search engines, including:
Amnesty International
Human Rights Watch
Immigration and Nationality Directorate Country Assessments, United Kingdom
International Organization for Migration
REFWORLD
Salam Iran
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
United States Government (including Immigration and Naturalization Service and Department of State)
United States Committee for Refugees (USCR)
World News Connection (WNC)
