French Guiana is a region of France and an integral part of the French republic (Europa 1993 1993, 1136; Countries of the World 1994 1994, 582). According to Juris-Classeur Nationalité (unofficial translation by the DIRB), "France is a unitary state. Within the French Republic, ... there is only one nationality, and it is French nationality" (Merlin Jean Nov. 1983, 6).

For information on the law regarding entry to and stay in France of foreigners which applies to residence in metropolitan France and its overseas departments, please refer to the attachment from the UNHCR REFLEG database. For further information concerning the requirements for the right to return to France and French Guiana of "carte de resident" holders, please refer to the attached ordinance and its amendments of 12 November 1991, and 24 August 1993. Also, please refer to the attached copy of the French Constitution promulgated on 4 October 1958 and amended on 18 May 1960, 28 October 1962, 30 December 1963 and 29 October 1974.

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.

Countries of the World and Their Leaders Yearbook 1994. 1994. Vol. 1. Edited by Thomas F. Bowen and Kelley S. Bowen. Detroit: Gale Research.

The Europa World Year Book 1993. 1993. 34th ed. Vol. 1. London: Europa Publications, pp. 1136-39, 1147.

France. Ordonnance du 2 novembre 1945 relative aux conditions d'entrée et de séjour des etrangers en France. 2 November 1945. (UNHCR REFLEG)

Merlin, Jean. November 1983. "France," Juris-Classeur Nationalité. Edited by Charles L. Closset and Michel J. Verwilgen. Paris: Editions Techniques, pp. 1-33.

Countries of the World and Their Leaders Yearbook 1994. 1994. Vol. 1. Edited by Thomas F. Bowen and Kelley S. Bowen. Detroit: Gale Research, pp. 581-88.

Documentation-Réfugiés [Paris]. 31 August-13 September 1993. No. 224. "Annexe: L'ordonnance du 2 novembre 1945 modifiée relative aux conditions d'entrée et de séjour des etrangers en France," pp. 13-24.

The Europa World Year Book 1993. 1993. 34th ed. Vol. 1. London: Europa Publications, pp. 1136-39, 1147.

France. Decret no. 91-1164 du 12 novembre 1991 fixant les mondalités d'application de l'article 35 bis de l'ordonnance no-45-2658 du 2 novembre 1945. 14 November 1991. (UNHCR REFLEG)

. Ordonnance du 2 Novembre 1945 Relative aux Conditions d'Entrée et de Séjour des Etrangers en France. 1945. (UNHCR REFLEG)

"France," Juris-Classeur Nationalité. November 1993. Edited by Charles L. Closset and Michel J. Verwilgen. Paris: Editions Techniques, pp. 1-6.

Merlin, Jean. November 1983. "France," Juris-Classeur Nationalité. Edited by Charles L. Closset and Michel J. Verwilgen. Paris: Editions Techniques, pp. 1-33.

Spitzer, G. Vlad. June 1988. "France," Constitutions of the Countries of the World. Edited by Albert P. Blaustein and Gisbert H. Flanz. Dobbs Ferry, NY: Oceana Publications, pp. 21-51.