According to a representative of the Bahai National Spritual Assembly in Toronto, all people of Bahai faith carry Bahai identity cards (6 Dec. 1994). She stated that in every country where there are Bahais, there is a national spiritual assembly with a central registry. The central registries keep a record of every person who formally applies to join the Bahai faith (ibid.). In cases where a member of the Bahai faith had to leave a country without his/her identity card, the Bahai national spiritual assembly in Toronto would contact the national assembly in the claimant's country of origin to verify membership (ibid.). The representative emphasized that with the exception of Iran, where it is extremely difficult to obtain information, the verification process could take seven days.

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.

Bahai National Spiritual Assembly, Toronto. 6 December 1994. Telephone interview with representative.