According to a representative of the Embassy of Egypt in Ottawa, in general there are two legal categories of people that would be banned from leaving the country: first, women alone or with children who do not have a written permission from their husband, father or legal guardian; second, males of draft age who try to leave the country without performing military service (16 Nov. 1993). The representative added that these two categories of people can be prevented from leaving when they are trying to obtain a passport or a visa (Ibid.). However, the representative recognized that it is difficult to maintain a foolproof system (Ibid.).

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.

Embassy of Egypt, Ottawa. 16 November 1993. Telephone interview with representative.