The Media Affairs Office of the General Directorate of General Security issued the following statement: "After the General Directorate of General Security has established a strategy that includes a roadmap to regulate and organize the file of Syrians present on Lebanese territory, the directorates and centers of General Security have begun implementing the following procedures:
1. Requesting Syrian individuals who are violating entry and residency regulations to directly approach border centers to grant them the necessary facilitation to regularize their status and leave Lebanese territory, under the threat of appropriate legal actions against those who do not depart.
2. Emphasizing to Lebanese citizens not to employ, shelter, or provide housing for Syrians residing illegally in Lebanon, under the threat of administrative and legal penalties against violators.
3. Prohibiting Syrians registered with the UNHCR from engaging in any paid employment outside the specified work sectors for them.
4. Resuming the organization of voluntary and safe return operations for Syrian nationals wishing to return to their country under the auspices of the General Directorate of General Security.
5. Suspending the issuance or renewal of residency permits based on residential lease agreements.
6. Suspending the issuance or renewal of residency permits based on personal responsibility guarantees.
7. Modifying the conditions for renewing residency permits based on financial guarantees.
8. Closing all institutions and shops that are operated or invested in by Syrians and taking appropriate action against anyone employing foreign workers contrary to residency regulations and labor law.
The General Directorate of General Security has sent a written letter to the UNHCR, requesting additional basic data on the "data" previously provided to them, to better utilize it within their strategic plan to address the Syrian displacement issue through reevaluating those registered with the UNHCR and determining their eligibility for continued registration. Additionally, the Directorate is working on proposals to amend and update some of the regulations pertaining to their responsibilities to align with the requirements of the tasks assigned to them.
Finally, the General Directorate of General Security confirms its commitment to carrying out its duties with diligence and discipline, as it has always worked to monitor and address issues according to the powers entrusted to it."
