Côte d'Ivoire: Update to CIV2079 of 12 September 1989 regarding the Lebanese population in Côte d'Ivoire, the possibility and regulations for non-Africans to obtain permanent residence visas in the country (November 2002)
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 19 November 2002 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | CIV40102.E |
| Reference | 2 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Côte d'Ivoire: Update to CIV2079 of 12 September 1989 regarding the Lebanese population in Côte d'Ivoire, the possibility and regulations for non-Africans to obtain permanent residence visas in the country (November 2002), 19 November 2002, CIV40102.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3f7d4d71a.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. |
Two recent sources estimate the number of Lebanese living in the Côte d'Ivoire to be between 50, 000 and 55, 000 (RFI 15 Oct. 2002; Le Monde 26 Sept. 2002).
During a 14 November 2002 telephone interview, a representative of the embassy of Côte d'Ivoire in Ottawa provided the following information.
With regards to citizens from countries that are not members of the Economic Organization for West African States (ECOWAS), there are no precise regulations for obtaining permanent residence visas in Côte d'Ivoire. The possibility of obtaining such a visa depends on bilateral relations and on the principle of reciprocity with a requester's country of origin.
In the case of Lebanese citizens, each request is assessed individually and on the basis of its merit. However, being born in Côte d'Ivoire or being an investor in that country may be an asset.
Referring to admission restrictions in Côte d'Ivoire, the Travel Information Manual (TIM) states that "the government of Côte d'Ivoire refuses admission to nationals of Lebanon residing in Liberia" (Nov. 2002, 118)
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
Côte d'Ivoire. 14 November 2002. Embassy of Côte d'Ivoire in Ottawa. Telephone interview with a representative.
Le Monde [Paris]. 26 September 2002. "La crise en Côte d'Ivoire menace d'embraser l'Afrique de l'Ouest." Radio France International (RFI). 15 October 2002. " Liban-Afrique : mieux se connaître grâce à la francophonie." Travel Information Manual (TIM). November 2002. "Cote d'Ivoire." Amsterdam: TIM
Additional Sources Consulted
Africa Confidential January-October 2002.
Africa Research Bulletin 2001-September 2002.
IRB Databases.
Jeune Afrique/L'Intelligent January-November 2002.
LEXIS/NEXIS.
Resource Centre country file. Côte d'Ivoire.
Websites, including:
Africatime.
Allafrica.
Fraternité Matin.
Government of Côte d'Ivoire.
Ivoire Soir.
Le Jour.
