The Lebanese General Directorate of General Security continued its patrols today, Friday, in various regions, targeting illegal Syrian businesses and closed dozens of them under the directive of the public prosecutor. This campaign was welcomed by Lebanese owners of institutions. The closures included a variety of businesses such as vegetable shops, clothing stores, wooden furniture, and various industries and professions occupied by Lebanese, which are prohibited for displaced individuals. Previously, General Security had warned business owners to regularize their situations, stating there would be no leniency with violators.
The following statement was issued by the Media Affairs Office:
After the General Directorate of General Security established a strategy that includes a roadmap for controlling and organizing the file of Syrians in Lebanon, the security directorates and centers began implementing the following measures:
1. Requesting that Syrian violators of entry and residency regulations go directly to border agencies and centers to receive 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 secure housing for Syrians residing illegally in Lebanon, under the threat of administrative and judicial penalties against violators.
3. Prohibiting registered Syrians with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees from engaging in any paid work outside the specified sectors.
4. Resuming the organization of voluntary and safe returns for Syrian nationals wishing to return to their country under the auspices of the General Directorate of General Security.
5. Halting the issuance or renewal of residency permits based on housing rental contracts.
6. Halting the issuance or renewal of residency permits based on personal responsibility guarantees.
7. Modifying the conditions for renewing residency permits based on a financial guarantee.
8. Closing all violating businesses and shops operated by or invested in by Syrians and taking appropriate actions against those employing foreign workers contrary to residency regulations and labor law.
Furthermore, the General Directorate of General Security sent a written request to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, asking for additional basic data on the database previously provided, to ensure its proper utilization within its strategic plan for addressing the Syrian displacement file by reassessing those registered with the commission and the legitimacy of their continued registration. The directorate is also working on proposing amendments and updates to some relevant regulations to meet the requirements of the tasks assigned to it. Finally, the General Directorate of General Security reaffirms its commitment to carrying out its tasks with seriousness and discipline, as it has always worked to monitor and address these files according to its authorized powers.