According to a representative of the Consulate of Estonia in New York, valid USSR passports issued in Estonia are recognized by the authorities (7 Jan. 1994). The representative indicated that in such cases, the individual may re-enter Estonia without visa requirements (ibid.). However, the representative indicated that a new decree was adopted requiring individuals who wish to enter Estonia and hold a USSR passport, to register and obtain a stamp available only in Tallinn (ibid.).

Further information can be found in the attached documents, especially in the text of Decree Number 288 of the Government of the Republic dated 21 September 1993, on the Procedure for Issuing and Extending Living and Work Permits for Aliens (Rahva Haal 14 Oct. 1993). The Decree also contains provisions on aliens with domestic passports of the former Soviet Union (ibid.).

Also, please consult the Law of Citizenship of Estonia and
Responses to Information Requests EST15511.E of 12 October 1993 and EST15330.E of 1 October 1993 available at your Regional Documentation Centre.

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.

Consulate of Estonia, New York. 7 January 1994. Telephone interview with representative.

Rahva Haal [Tallinn, in Estonian]. 14 October 1993. "Text and Decree and Regulation: 'Procedure for Issuing and Extending Living and Work Permits for Aliens'." (FBIS-USR-93-156 13 Dec. 1993, p. 74)

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) Research Institute. 24 September 1993. RFE/RL Research Report [Munich]. Vol. 2, No. 38. Ann Sheehy. "The Estonian Law on Aliens."

Rahva Haal [Tallinn, in Estonian]. 14 October 1993. "Text and Decree and Regulation: 'Procedure for Issuing and Extending Living and Work Permits for Aliens'." (FBIS-USR-93-156 13 Dec. 1993, p. 74)