Information on the publisher, place of publication and circulation of New Vision magazine, and on a decree authorizing airports and embassies to confiscate passports of nationals returning after more than six months outside the country [SDN16317.E]

A political science professor who is familiar with Sudanese affairs at Villanova University in Philadelphia and the executive director of Africa Watch both stated that they are unaware of a decree issued by the government of Sudan ordering airports and embassies to confiscate the passports of nationals returning after more than six months outside the country (7 Feb. 1994; 8 Feb. 1994).

However, the professor stated that the practice of confiscating passports is common in Egypt, where there is a large Sudanese community. According to the executive director of Africa Watch
a Sudanese who is active with the opposition abroad, or is suspected of having clear links with known opposition figures, is likely to be detained and interrogated (tortured) upon return. But I would be very surprised if that happened to every Sudanese returning after an absence of six months or so (8 Feb. 1994).

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB 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.

Reference


Africa Watch, New York. 8 February 1994. Letter Received by Fax.

Professor of political science specializing in African affairs, Villanova University, Philadelphia. 7 February 1994. Telephone interview.

Attachment

Africa Watch, New York. 8 February 1994. Letter Received faxed to the DIRB.