Lebanon's General Security close shops owned by Syrians in the Dahr al-Ain area in the north on May 10, 2024. (Credit: Courtesy of Michel Hallak)
Security forces in Lebanon have intensified efforts to regulate the presence of Syrian refugees in the country, resulting in the closure of several businesses owned by Syrians across various regions in Lebanon, L'Orient-Le Jour's correspondents reported.
The municipality of Bziza in North Lebanon issued a statement regarding the closure of shops operated by Syrian refugees illegally. According to the statement, this action follows a decision by the mayor of Bziza to regulate the presence of Syrian refugees and take necessary measures against those staying illegally. A patrol from the General Directorate of General Security in the north raided two shops — a barbershop and a sweet shop — illegally operated by Syrian refugees and sealed them with red wax.
In the Dahr al-Ain area of Koura, a patrol from the Information Branch of the Lebanese General Security raided a men's barbershop belonging to Syrian nationals, identified by the initials A.S and B.S. During the raid, a military-grade weapon was found inside the shop. The individuals were arrested, and the weapon was seized and referred to the competent judiciary. Additionally, patrols from the General Security Information Branch in Akkar governorate closed and sealed a sweet shop in Rahbeh al-Akariyah town, arresting its owner.
In Saida, security forces arrested seven Syrians in a scrap shop near the Saida Governmental Serail on charges of illegal entry and work. This action is part of the General Directorate of General Security's efforts to regulate and organize the Syrian refugee presence in Lebanon. Upon referral from the Attorney General of the South, the shop was sealed with red wax.
In Baalbek, State Security patrols in the Bekaa region have continued to close a number of shops belonging to Syrians who do not meet the conditions for legal residence and entry. More than 14 commercial shops were closed in the Baalbek district alone. Additionally, General Security in the central Bekaa closed some illegal Syrian institutions and shops upon the referral of the Public Prosecution in the Bekaa.
Hundreds of people turned out to a Free Patriotic Movement demonstration organized in Beirut on Thursday to call for the return of "displaced Syrians" to their country.
Last week, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced a billion dollars in aid to Lebanon during a visit to this crisis-hit country and urged it to combat illegal immigration into the European Union. The move was criticized by parties across the political sphere in Lebanon, with some accusing the EU of attempting to bribe Lebanon to keep Syrian nationals in the country.
