Assad’s Victory Lap Sends Syrians into Passport Limbo

Syrians in Passport Limbo During Assad’s Victory Lap

The Plight of Syrians

Since 2011, Syrians have faced immense challenges when trying to renew their passports. The process, marked by interruptions and exorbitant costs, has become increasingly difficult. While President Assad basks in the support of Arab capitals and renewed foreign travel, ordinary Syrians continue to suffer the consequences of a broken passport renewal system.

Authorities have provided little explanation for the processing delays, leading to widespread frustration among Syrians. Many embassies and consulates, both inside Syria and abroad, have halted passport processing without any official announcement. Syrians are reporting difficulties in reserving appointments, being turned away without explanation despite having all the necessary paperwork, or being forced to pay excessive amounts to expedite the process.

The closure of a majority of embassies and consulates during the country’s civil war has only exacerbated the situation. Syrians have had to resort to creative methods to obtain their passports, often relying on the few remaining open embassies or smuggling them from inside Syria despite bans on shipping. Moreover, the Syrian government has significantly raised the prices for passport renewal, burdening Syrians abroad with exorbitant fees of USD$300 for normal processing and $800 for expedited service.

The consequences of these delays and barriers to passport renewal are profound. Syrians’ freedom of movement is severely restricted, preventing them from traveling to visit their families or pursuing educational or employment opportunities abroad. Livelihoods are at risk, as seen in the case of a Syrian student in Europe who has been waiting over two months for his new passport. Another Syrian in the UAE risks losing his residency status as he waits indefinitely for updates on his passport renewal.

An international welcome, a domestic struggle

While foreign governments extend invitations to the Syrian government, effectively signaling a return to the international fold, ordinary Syrians continue to bear the brunt of conflict and government corruption. The normalization efforts must prioritize the rights and well-being of Syrian citizens.

The need for justice

It is crucial to acknowledge that the Syrian government is being welcomed back into the international community without being held accountable for the crimes it committed during the 12-year war. As these diplomatic efforts unfold, it is imperative that justice for Syrians remains at the forefront of discussions. With thousands of Syrians still missing and many others living with the trauma and consequences of the conflict, the international community must not turn a blind eye to their suffering.

Taking action

The ongoing struggles faced by Syrians in obtaining passport renewals demand urgent attention and action. The international community should press the Syrian government to provide an explanation for the delays and disruptions in the passport renewal process. Embassies and consulates must resume processing passports in a timely and transparent manner, ensuring that Syrians are not unjustly denied their right to travel. Additionally, the exorbitant fees for passport renewal should be revisited, considering the already dire economic situation in Syria.

While the international community extends its welcome to the Syrian government, it should not come at the expense of ordinary Syrians. Supporting the rights and well-being of the Syrian people should be a priority for all nations involved in normalization efforts.

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