EUROPEAN UNION AGENCY FOR ASYLUM Good practice The topics to explore need to be selected, adapted and formulated based on the applicant’s profile and narrative. A good practice is to always take the applicant’s statements as a starting point for asking questions relating to their origin. For example, if a person mentions certain places, events, people or local administrative authorities, ask them to elaborate. Examples of topics to explore to determine the country of origin Family ties The exploration of family ties is particularly important to gather information on the way an applicant may (not) have acquired or lost a nationality. • The identity of family members. • The civil status of family members. • The type of marriage of the applicant’s parents and of the applicant and their spouse. • Changes in family compositions. Information related to the personal experience of the applicant in the country of origin • The procedures they have followed to obtain the documents they have submitted (e.g. passport, ID card, driver’s licence, electoral card). • The place of residence and occupation of family members. General knowledge • Information about administrative/public bodies (type, function, location, type of services provided). • Educational system (school enrolment, programmes). • Transport available in the country (public transport, routes). • Security events (particularly in countries where violence is prevalent or there is an armed conflict). • Other important events (natural disasters, political events such as elections, sport or cultural events). • Other recent events prior to departure. • Geographical knowledge (local and national level, local landscape in the stated area of residence). • National characteristics (currency, measurement units). • Local media outlets (newspapers, radio stations, TV channels). • Tradition, culture, religion (e.g. national holidays, culinary specialities, celebrities). • Local language(s) and ethnic groups. • Local and national calendar(s). • Local and national service providers (local banks, telecommunication providers, names of local shops). 44