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Rwanda: Procedure for obtaining a passport in Rwanda in 2007; whether there have been recent changes regarding the issuance of passports

According to correspondence from the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration dated 3 July 2008 and forwarded by the Embassy of Rwanda in Ottawa to the Research Directorate on 11 July 2008, the following documents were required to obtain a Rwandan passport in 2007:

[translation]

– A letter of request addressed to the Director General of Immigration and Emigration;

– A recommendation from the local administrative authorities (the neighbourhood or the sector);

– A photocopy of the person's identity card;

– One colour passport photograph taken against a white background;

– A duly completed application form. (Rwanda 3 July 2008)

In 2007, passport applications were processed in up to 10 days, with the exception of urgent cases (ibid.). In 2008, application processing times changed to five working days (ibid.). Information on whether there have been any further changes regarding the issuance of passports since 2007 could not be found among sources consulted by the Research Directorate.

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 sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Reference

Rwanda. 3 July 2008. Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration. Correspondence from the division head, Inspection des Nationaux fowarded to the Research Directorate by the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in Ottawa on 11 July 2008.

Additional Sources Consulted

Oral sources: The Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in Washington and the Canadian High Commission in Kenya did not respond to requests for information within time constraints.

Internet sites, including: AllAfrica.com; Embassy of Rwanda in Germany; Embassy of Rwanda in the United Kingdom; Embassy of Rwanda in Washington; Factiva; Freedom House; government of Rwanda; The New Times [Kigali]; Syfia Grands Lacs; United States Department of State.

Topics: Passports, Passport procedures,