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Syria: Conditions of Iraqis and citizens of other Arab states living in Syria (follow-up to SYR37489.E of 11 July 2001)

On 27 July 2001 a representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Ottawa stated the following in correspondence with the Research Directorate:

Status

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Syria is neither a signatory of the 1951 Convention nor the 1967 Protocol. There is no government structure or procedure to determine refugee status. Furthermore, it is not party to the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons or to the 1961 Convention relating to the Reduction of Statelessness.

UNHCR conducts refugee status determination on the basis of 1951 Convention and Mandate criteria. Syrian authorities may grant asylum on Humanitarian/political grounds to asylum seekers. However, the latter does not constitute a formal refugee status determination procedure.

In view of our mandate, we must limit our present observations to persons of UNHCR's concern.

Admission and freedom of movement

We are informed that until June 2001, visa-free entry to Syria and unlimited stay were to an extent tolerated for most Arab nationals stemming from the Pan-Arabism concepts of the Ba'ath Party. However, this was not systematic and, when applied, was merely viewed as hospitality for Arab guests. For example, Iraqis, who represent the majority of asylum-seekers in Syria, needed to receive security clearance before being allowed to enter the country. Visa-free entry did not amount to the granting of asylum.

The Syrian Ministry of Interior has introduced in June 2001 a new regulation regarding admission and stay of all Arab nationals, including Iraqis, in Syria. This new regulation has immediate effect. Now, all Arab nationals may enter Syria, without visa requirements, and remain for a period of three months. Iraqis will not be required to obtain a security clearance for the purpose of entry to Syria. Beyond a three-month stay, however, one must apply for a residence permit. Arab nationals residing in Syria prior to the introduction of this regulation have six months (therefore, until the end of 2001) to regularize their status. Failure to regularize status may result in deportation.

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Integration and administrative assistance

Most of the UNHCR Mandate refugees originating from Arab countries do not encounter problems as to their movements in Syria and have access to family reunification. Family members of non-Arabs, however, are still required to apply for an entry visa for reunification purposes. Mandate refugees who are not in possession of valid passports cannot travel. Iraqis and non-Arabs who possess valid passports are required to obtain exit permits to leave Syria.

All foreigners, including non-Palestinian refugees and asylum-seekers, do not have the right to work in Syria unless they obtain a work permit. Many manage on their own to find jobs in the informal economic sector.

Mandate refugees have access to free education but university studies require special authorization.

Refugees, as with other foreigners, have access to public health facilities at reasonable costs.

It is reported that while de facto integration has been achieved by some Arab refugees, the prospects of durable settlement/integration for most non-Palestinian refugees in Syria remain fragile.

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.

Reference

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Branch Office for Canada, Ottawa. 27 July 2001. Correspondence with a representative.