1806389 (Refugee)

This matter concerned an application for review of a decision to refuse a protection visa, brought by an Iranian national. The applicant claimed to fear returning to Iran due to his conversion to Christianity and the potential consequences he would face from the regime for practicing his faith. The Tribunal was required to determine whether the applicant's claimed conversion to Christianity was genuine and whether he would face a real chance of serious or significant harm upon return to Iran.

The Tribunal considered the applicant's explanation of his faith journey, noting his stated difficulties with certain passages in the Quran and his perceived lack of answers to his questions about Islam. However, the Tribunal questioned the depth of his search for answers, particularly in light of interpretive tools within Islam such as abrogation. The Tribunal also considered evidence of an announcement on a church's website regarding the applicant's hearing, which was accepted as having been publicly visible for a period. The Tribunal further examined the potential harm arising from being a failed asylum seeker, noting that Iran generally does not accept involuntary returnees, and that international observers report Iranian authorities pay little attention to failed asylum seekers upon their return, including those who have converted to Christianity.

Ultimately, the Tribunal concluded that the applicant's conversion was not genuine, finding that he had amended his story to achieve a desired visa outcome. The Tribunal also found that, even if he were to return to Iran, he would not face a real chance of serious or significant harm, either due to the country's stance on involuntary returnees or the general lack of attention paid to failed asylum seekers. Accordingly, the Tribunal affirmed the decision under review.