The following information was provided by a representative at the consular office of the Embassy of Iran in Ottawa on 17 February 1994.

Iranian citizens travelling abroad are required to obtain exit visas for all destinations. there are two types of exit visas: one for the Iranian citizens living in Iran and another for Iranian citizens living abroad.

Iranian citizens living in Iran can obtain an exit visa at the local passport office. The exit visa is stamped in their passport.

Iranian citizens living abroad who wish to return to Iran for a visit must apply through the nearest Iranian consulate in their country of residence. They must fill out at least two forms, one for the application itself and the other to provide information on their temporary change of residence. A married woman travelling alone must submit a special form which contains her husband's signed authorization to travel.

A representative of Middle East Watch in New York provided the following information to the DIRB on 23 February 1994. Before 1991, people wanting to travel abroad had to send their passports one week in advance to the Security Office, then under the jurisdiction of the prime minister's office, for a security check. Since 1991, the security procedure has been computerized and is now performed at the airport before departure. Iranian citizens leaving Iran must go through two computerized check points at the airport terminal or other point of departure. The first check point is operated by regular police officers who can intercept individuals under travel restrictions. The second, which is located at the entrance of the terminal's transit area, is operated by the revolutionary guards and members of the "Comiteh" to intercept individuals who are not permitted to leave the country for political reasons.

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.

Embassy of Iran, Ottawa. 17 February 1994. Telephone interview with representative.

Middle East Watch, New York. 23 February 1993. Telephone interview with representative.