EGYPT IMPOSES NEAR-TOTAL BAN ON SYRIANS ENTERING THE COUNTRY

Sun 05 January 2025:

Egypt has implemented stringent new restrictions on Syrian nationals entering the country, allowing entry only for those holding temporary non-tourist residency permits. Airlines violating the directive face fines, according to the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority.

This marks the second wave of restrictions since former president Bashar al-Assad’s ouster last month, with an earlier ban targeting Syrians holding European, Gulf, US, or Canadian residencies, as well as Schengen visa holders, unless they secure prior security approval. Syrians married to Egyptians are also subject to the same requirements.

According to Asharq Al-Awsat, the latest measures reflect Cairo’s heightened focus on security risks, with former Assistant Interior Minister Farouk Al-Moqrahy citing concerns about individuals linked to the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood and other banned groups. Molhem Al-Khan of the Syria Al-Ghad Relief Foundation added that the lack of security coordination with Syria’s interim administration has fuelled Egypt’s precautions.

__________________________________________________________________________

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAtNxX8fewmiFmN7N22

__________________________________________________________________________

Egypt hosts an estimated 1.5 million Syrians, though only 153,000 are registered refugees, according to UNHCR. Many Syrians fled to Egypt following Syria’s civil war, which erupted in 2011.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Embassy in Cairo has introduced free, same-day travel permits for Syrians wishing to return home but lacking valid passports. These developments come as Egypt also reportedly imposed entry bans on Palestinians from four conflict-affected countries, including Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Libya.

The Action Group for Palestinians in Syria states that “The Egyptian authorities did not explain the reasons for the decision, noting that Egypt used to prevent holders of the Palestinian Syrian document from entering its territory except with exceptions and under certain circumstances.”

For some Syrians in Egypt, the fall of the Assad government and new entry restrictions have prompted decisions to return home. Last month, the first group of Syrians left Cairo via Nuweiba Port. A ferry carrying 40 passengers traveled to Aqaba Port in Jordan, from where they were transferred to the Jaber border crossing to re-enter Syria.

-MEMO

__________________________________________________________________________

FOLLOW INDEPENDENT PRESS:

WhatsApp CHANNEL
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAtNxX8fewmiFmN7N22