An official at the Embassy of Algeria in Ottawa stated in a telephone interview that the "livret individuel" or "livret militaire" is a document issued to Algerian conscripts that provides information on their military service records (5 Feb. 2002).

For further information on the "carte militaire" (or livret militaire), please consult DZA34697.F of 22 September 2000 which is available at Regional Documentation Centres.

No information on whether there is a "carte d'immatriculation" (registration card) specifically for military conscripts in Algeria could be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.

However, the Webpage of the Embassy of Algeria in Ottawa on consular registration states that Algerian citizens who are regular residents abroad are dutifully required to be registered at the Algerian embassy or consulate nearest to their home (1999). Upon registration, Algerian citizens are issued by the embassy or consulate a "carte d'immatriculation" or registration card, free of charge (ibid.). However, in the case of a first application for registration, the file of the applicant will be submitted to competent authorities in Algeria (ibid.).

The Webpage of the Embassy of Algeria in Ottawa on national service states that registered Algerian nationals can apply for exemption from national service provided they are the only [translation] "ascendant or collateral" family member who supports a disabled person or to a child, or if they are more than 27 years of age and have a remunerated occupation (1999).

The official at the Embassy of Algeria in Ottawa stated that the consular "carte d'immatriculation" (registration card) makes no reference to national service records (5 Feb. 2002).

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.

Embassy of Algeria, Ottawa. 5 February 2002. Telephone interview with a representative.

_____. 1999. "Consular Registration." http://www.ambalgott.com/html/immatangl.html [Accessed 28 Jan. 2002]

_____. 1999. "Le service national." http://www.ambalgott.com/html/servicenation.html [Accessed 28 Jan. 2002]

Burgat, François. 12 June 2001. Algeria-Country Report. European Country of Origin Information Network (ECOI). http://www.ecoi.net/index.php?iflang=en&country=DZ [Accessed 21 Jan. 2002]

Davis, Brian. [Paris]. Embassy of Canada in Algeria. Report on Algeria.

Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND), Home Office, UK. October 2001. Algeria Country Assessment.

Oral sources:

Embassy of Algeria, Washington, DC. Office of the Defence Attaché.