Beirut, 19 May 2023
Statement on the decision of the Syrian Embassy in Lebanon regarding passport applications
On 13/05/2023, the Syrian Embassy in Lebanon made an announcement via its Facebook page, stating that it would temporarily suspend the acceptance of both standard and urgent passport applications starting from 15/05/2023 until further notice.
This decision comes at a time when the General Directorate of General Security has imposed a deadline on Syrian refugees to regularize their status in Lebanon.
CLDH strongly emphasizes the gravity of the Embassy's decision, as it hampers the ability of Syrian refugees to meet the imposed deadline set by the Lebanese State for settling their status. Consequently, this decision exposes them to potential detention and deportation once the settlement period has expired.
It is crucial to acknowledge that Syrian refugees should not be held accountable for circumstances beyond their control, which makes this situation unjust for them.
Moreover, the Embassy's decision reflects the policy of the Syrian regime and its lack of willingness to safeguard Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
CLDH urges the General Directorate of General Security to make an exceptional allowance for expired passports and to take necessary measures to resolve the situation of Syrian refugees until this issue is resolved.
