Lebanon’s General Security announced on Wednesday that Syrian nationals and Palestinian refugees from Syria who have been residing in Lebanon illegally or have their residence permits expired can now settle their status at the border, provided they pay the entire cost of their overdue fees.
Once their status is in order, “they are allowed to leave Lebanon without being banned to return if they choose to,” said a statement by General Security.
The decision, however, does not include Syrian nationals who are registered with the UNHCR and hold residence permits in their capacity as refugees.
The decision is valid until June 15, inclusive, the statement noted.
The issue of Syrian refugees in Lebanon has gained momentum in recent weeks after the Lebanese army repatriated 50 Syrians – a move that sparked international criticism.
Lebanese politicians have repeatedly called for the safe repatriation of refugees to secure areas in Syria, stressing that Lebanon could no longer put up with the burden of hosting them amid the country’s worsening economic and financial situation.
As it stands, Lebanon continues to host the largest number of refugees per capita; with the government estimating two million Syrian refugees are in the country. Among them an estimated 800,000 are registered with the UN agency, while the large majority have been residing with no legal papers mostly due to their inability to pay residence fees.
A number of municipalities in Lebanese regions have started surveys and inspections to register refugees and restrict their movements in the towns where they reside.
Tensions have been growing between the refugees and their Lebanese hosts who accuse them of competing over jobs and livelihood sources.
