In telephone interviews on 17 and 18 November 1994, a representative of the German consulate general in Toronto provided the following information. If a person born in Germany in 1965 to parents who were both nationals of Syria studying in Germany were to apply for German citizenship, the application would almost certainly be refused if the person currently resides outside Germany. However, if the person currently resides inside Germany, or has been outside the country for a short period, the application may be accepted. The representative did not elaborate. Factors likely to favour the granting of citizenship include a lengthy residence in Germany, a reasonable command of the German language, absence of a criminal record, and an ability to support oneself economically. If the person left Germany recently, then the length of absence, as well as the reasons for leaving, would influence the decision. He added that the final decision could only be undertaken in a citizenship office in Germany. The representative stated that this was his interpretation of the general process of citizenship determination, but that specific cases may be judged differently.

For background information on the process of German citizenship acquisition, please consult Response to Information Request DEU15404.E of 5 October 1993. For information on the naturalization process, please refer to the attachment. We have requested a copy of the current citizenship law of Germany, which will be forwarded to the Regional Documentation Centres upon receipt.

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.

Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Toronto. 17 November 1994. Telephone interview with representative.

Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Toronto. 18 November 1994. Telephone interview with representative.

Federal Republic of Germany. Bonn. n.d. "Naturalization Policy in the Federal Republic of Germany." (Translation faxed to the DIRB by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Ottawa).