Document #1062668
IRB – Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (Author)
A political science professor who is
familiar with Sudanese affairs at Villanova University in
Philadelphia and the executive director of Africa Watch both
stated that they are unaware of a decree issued by the government
of Sudan ordering airports and embassies to confiscate the
passports of nationals returning after more than six months outside
the country (7 Feb. 1994; 8 Feb. 1994).
However, the professor stated that the
practice of confiscating passports is common in Egypt, where there
is a large Sudanese community. According to the executive director
of Africa Watch
a Sudanese who is active with the opposition abroad, or is
suspected of having clear links with known opposition figures, is
likely to be detained and interrogated (tortured) upon return. But
I would be very surprised if that happened to every Sudanese
returning after an absence of six months or so (8 Feb. 1994).
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.
Africa Watch, New York. 8 February 1994.
Letter Received by Fax.
Professor of political science
specializing in African affairs, Villanova University,
Philadelphia. 7 February 1994. Telephone interview.
Africa Watch, New York. 8 February 1994.
Letter Received faxed to the DIRB.