The following information was sent in a 26 July 2004 correspondence from a United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) official stationed in the capital city of Baku.

According to the UNHCR official, district police departments across the country contain a passport section that manages the issuance of identity cards. Consequently, there is not just one location or office where identity cards may be obtained. By way of example, the official noted that since there are 11 districts in the city of Baku, there would be 11 district police departments, each comprising a passport office. The official also mentioned that the passport section falls under the supervision of the Passport Registration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

With regard to the procedure for obtaining an identity card, the official stated that one must "fill in the standard application and attach the following:

1. [Two] photos,

2. Medical examination form (which includes only the blood group, height and eye colour),

3. Copy of the Military service card,

4. Document certifying the fact and place of residence (warrant of ownership of a housing or a certificate issued from a local communal-exploitation committee would do)

5. Copy of the Birth Certificate,

6. Original Soviet passport (or form # 9),

7. Fee - 5500 manats (a bit more than 1 US$)."

The official also stated that one must surrender their former Soviet internal passport in order to obtain an identity card as this card "replaces the former Soviet passport."

However, the official stated that the identity card does not replace the Propiska and that one must have the Propiska in order to obtain an identity card. The official added that the Propiska is actually called "registration" now and is used as proof of residence to local authorities.

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.

Reference

United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), Baku. 26 July 2004. Correspondence from an official.

Additional Sources Consulted

The Canadian Embassy for Azerbaijan based in Ankara, Turkey was not able to provide information within the time contraints of this Request.

The Embassy of Azerbaijan in Washington, DC was not able to provide information within the time contraints of this Request.

Internet: Citizenship Laws of the World, Country Reports 2003, Embassy of Azerbaijan in Washington (DC), Milli Mejlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan, US Department of State Reciprocity List, World News Connection/Dialog.