Formed in 2009, the Archive Team (not to be confused with the archive.org Archive-It Team) is a rogue archivist collective dedicated to saving copies of rapidly dying or deleted websites for the sake of history and digital heritage. The group is 100% composed of volunteers and interested parties, and has expanded into a large amount of related projects for saving online and digital history.
Morocco: Description of a birth certificate
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 22 December 1999 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | MAR33493.E |
| Reference | 2 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Morocco: Description of a birth certificate, 22 December 1999, MAR33493.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ad6644.html [accessed 15 March 2022] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
According to the vice-consul at the Consulate of the Kingdom of Morocco in Montréal, there are 3 birth documents: the "Extrait d'acte de naissance, a "Fiche individuelle de naissance" and an "Acte de naissance" (17 Dec. 1999). All three documents are valid for 3 months and are renewable on demand. The vice-consul did not provide a reason as to why, once issued, the three documents were valid for a period of 3 months.Â
The most important document is the "Extrait d'acte de naissance" which is issued by a state representative (officier d'état civil) of the town of birth. The document is proof of Moroccan citizenship. It is generally white although the colour has no bearing on its validity or meaning. The stamp determines whether it is valid or not. The "Extrait d'acte de naissance" contains the name of the holder, the town of birth, the name of the father and the paternal grandfather, the mother's maiden name, the date and the official stamp. There is no indication of the holder's social status or profession.
Contrary to the "Extrait d'acte de naissance", the "Fiche individuelle de naissance" and the "Acte de naissance" are documents that could be issued by any official of the state either in Morocco or abroad. In order to obtain the "Fiche individuelle de naissance" a person would have to provide an "Acte de naissance" or a "Livret d'état civil". The "Acte de naissance" can be outdated while applying for the "Fiche individuelle de naissance".
According to the chapter entitled "Special Clearance and Issuance Procedures: Documents and Records" (TL:VISA-174; 01c-12-1998) of the U.S. Foreign Affairs Manual use by the United States Consulate General in Casablanca, Morocco,
Birth Certificate (TL:VISA-174; 01-12-1998)
Available. Muslims and Moroccan Jews may obtain birth certificates from the Bureau d'Etat Civil having jurisdiction over their place of birth upon presentation of a Livret de Famille. Should the applicant's birth not be recorded with the civil authorities, an Acte de Notoriete (affidavit by witnesses) may be substituted. Only residents of Morocco can procure such documentation. Muslims should apply to the Cadi Court (Koranic Court) having jurisdiction over their place of birth. Moroccan Jews should apply to the Rabbinical Court having jurisdiction over their place of birth. The accuracy of these documents is often doubtful.
Non-Moroccans may obtain birth certificates if the birth occurred after 1960 in the former International Zone of Tangier, or if the birth occurred after 1956 in the former French or Spanish Protectorate Zones. Applicants should apply to the Municipal Registry (Bureau d'Etat Civil) having jurisdiction over the place of birth. Non-Moroccans whose birth was not recorded with the Bureau d'Etat Civil, or whose birth occurred prior to the dates indicated above should contact their Embassy or Consulate for assistance.
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 to refugee status or asylum.
Consulate of Morocco, Montréal. 17 December 1999. Telephone interview with the Vice-Consul.
Foreign Affairs Manual. 1998. "Morocco: Special Clearance and Issuance Procedures: Documents and Records." < http://foia.state.gov/htmlfam\09fam\09mapxc\
09Cmorocco.html > [Access on 22 Dec. 1999].
