The following information was provided in correspondence sent to the Research Directorate by a professor of criminal justice and Fulbright scholar at Rutgers University who has extensively studied emigration from Fujian. The Type E driver's licence is issued throughout China for use of the two-wheeled motor bicycle (20 Jan. 2005). The licence is the same in appearance as the Type B driver's licence (27 Jan. 2005). The professor of criminal justice provided the Research Directorate with a copy of a Type B licence but did not indicate where in China the sample was issued (27 Jan. 2005). On the front of the licence appear a photo of the licence holder, name, address, date of birth, sex, licence number and type of licence. A list of all the different types of licences is printed on the back of the card. For example, a Type F licence is issued for operating the smallest kind of motor bicycle; Type G is for a large tractor; H, for a small tractor; and L, for a three-wheeled farming vehicle (27 Jan. 2005).

According to the professor of criminal justice, driver's licences throughout China are printed on magnetic cards (27 Jan. 2005). However, a 29 August 2003 Shanghai Star article stated that "[t]here are two types of driving licences: one has a plastic cover with anti-fake label and is on paper in other provinces; Shanghai licences are magnetic cards which can record a driver's traffic infringements." Further information on the physical appearance of driver's licences in China could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate. A copy of the Type B driver's licence provided by the professor of criminal justice is attached.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Professor of Criminal Justice. 27 January 2005. Rutgers University, New Jersey. Correspondence.

_____. 20 January 2005. Correspondence.

Shanghai Star. 29 August 2003. "Reporter Investigates in Fake World." China Internet Information Center. http://www.china.org.cn/english/ [Accessed 17 Jan. 2005]

Professor of Criminal Justice. 27 January 2005. Type B Driver's Licence. Sent as an attachment with correspondence.

Oral sources: Canadian High Commission, Hong Kong; Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs, Australia; Human Rights in China; Immigration and Nationality Directorate, United Kingdom Home Office; Professor of Asian American Studies, City University of New York; Professor of Sociology, Rhode Island College.

Internet site: China Internet Information Center.