Published : 14-03-2025
Action Group | Lebanon
Palestinian Syrian refugees in Lebanon face difficult legal conditions, with many facing threats of forced deportation amid administrative complications and onerous financial conditions.
Abu Omar, a refugee facing deportation
Abu Omer is a Syrian Palestinian from Yarmouk Camp. He was displaced to Lebanon in 2011 due to the war in Syria and has since resided in the Jalil Camp in Baalbek. For 13 years, he has been keen to legally renew his residency, but the suspension of renewals less than a year ago due to the repercussions of the war in Lebanon has put him in a difficult position.
A month ago, Lebanese General Security summoned him to renew his papers. His ID and passport were confiscated, and he was asked to return after 20 days. Upon his return, he was surprised by a demand to pay 4,900,000 Lebanese pounds for each member of his family—not for the renewal, but for the forced departure. When he refused to leave, he was informed that if he paid the amount, he would be given one month to leave, after which he would become a violation.
Today, Abu Omar finds himself without official documents and detained by General Security, making him vulnerable to further threats and harassment.
Abu Omar's case is not unique; it reflects the reality faced by many Syrian Palestinians in Lebanon, who are caught between the need for a stable legal status, exorbitant financial demands, and the threat of forced deportation. With no clear solutions, fears are growing that the humanitarian crisis these refugees are suffering will worsen.
Action Group | Lebanon
Palestinian Syrian refugees in Lebanon face difficult legal conditions, with many facing threats of forced deportation amid administrative complications and onerous financial conditions.
Abu Omar, a refugee facing deportation
Abu Omer is a Syrian Palestinian from Yarmouk Camp. He was displaced to Lebanon in 2011 due to the war in Syria and has since resided in the Jalil Camp in Baalbek. For 13 years, he has been keen to legally renew his residency, but the suspension of renewals less than a year ago due to the repercussions of the war in Lebanon has put him in a difficult position.
A month ago, Lebanese General Security summoned him to renew his papers. His ID and passport were confiscated, and he was asked to return after 20 days. Upon his return, he was surprised by a demand to pay 4,900,000 Lebanese pounds for each member of his family—not for the renewal, but for the forced departure. When he refused to leave, he was informed that if he paid the amount, he would be given one month to leave, after which he would become a violation.
Today, Abu Omar finds himself without official documents and detained by General Security, making him vulnerable to further threats and harassment.
Abu Omar's case is not unique; it reflects the reality faced by many Syrian Palestinians in Lebanon, who are caught between the need for a stable legal status, exorbitant financial demands, and the threat of forced deportation. With no clear solutions, fears are growing that the humanitarian crisis these refugees are suffering will worsen.
