China (Tibet): The requirements a Tibetan-in-exile must meet to obtain a Green Book, who issues it, its purpose, whether it offers special privileges and whether it has an expiry date
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 November 1998 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | CHN30410.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, China (Tibet): The requirements a Tibetan-in-exile must meet to obtain a Green Book, who issues it, its purpose, whether it offers special privileges and whether it has an expiry date, 1 November 1998, CHN30410.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ac6d4f.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| 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. |
The following information is quoted directly from a 9 November 1998 fax from The Office of Tibet in London, UK. According to the letterhead, The Office of Tibet is the "official agency of His Holiness The Dalai Lama."
The Tibetan people's Voluntary Contribution to the Tibetan Government in Exile is commonly known as the Green Book because of the jacket's colour of the book. This scheme was initiated in 1971 by the Tibetans in exile as [a] show of solidarity and to financially support the Tibetan Government in Exile in meeting its various expenses while running our government in exile.
It is a monthly contribution and the amount varies from place of residence. However, there are many Tibetans businessmen who often contribute a share of their annual profit.
Individual Tibetans who make this Voluntary Contribution are issued the Green Book irrespective of their naturalised status. The Green Book entitles them to enrol in any programmes that the Tibetan Government in Exile [runs] such as subsid[ized] education for children and take part in the election of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile. Most Tibetans consider [a holder of] the Green Book as a citizen of Tibet in exile.
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. Please find below the list of additional sources contacted in researching this Information Request.
Reference
The Office of Tibet, London, UK. 9 November 1998. Fax from representative.
Sources Contacted
International Campaign for Tibet, Washington, DC.
The Office of Tibet, New York.
Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, Dharamsala, India.
Additional Sources Consulted
Electronic sources: Internet, IRB Databases.