Fneideq municipality undergoes legal procedures for Syrians in its region. (Courtesy of Michel Hallak)
Syrians residing in the town of Fneideq (Akkar) took proactive steps on Tuesday morning by initiating registration procedures at the municipality. This move follows a recent decree issued by the municipality aimed at regulating Syrian residency in Lebanon and ensuring public safety, L'Orient Today's correspondent in North Lebanon reported.
Municipal sources reported a notable turnout, with Syrians queuing up to provide their names and personal details. However, amidst the cooperative spirit, concerns lingered regarding the legality of their documentation. Many expressed apprehension over potential violations of residency regulations or their presence in Lebanon via illicit means.
The Fneideq Municipality, overseeing a community of approximately 160 Syrian families predominantly employed in the town's construction sector and in other areas, including Beirut, previously issued a statement urging all displaced and resident Syrians to promptly register their lease contracts or declare their residences. The registration period, which commenced on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, will extend until Thursday, May 30, 2024. Failure to comply with these directives could entail legal repercussions, including prosecution.
Furthermore, registrants were required to furnish proof of vehicle ownership for any transportation means utilized, with strict admonitions against unauthorized driving. Municipal police officers were entrusted with enforcing these regulations and issuing citations to offenders.
In a broader scope, the municipality extended its directives to encompass local citizens leasing properties to foreigners, mandating immediate registration of lease contracts or disclosure of tenant identities. Prospective lessors were cautioned against entering into new agreements without prior consultation with the municipality.
The Fneideq Municipality also underscored that the primary objective behind these measures is to safeguard the town's security and ensure the well-being of all residents. As Syrians navigate the registration process amidst legal uncertainties, the municipality remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a harmonious and compliant community within its jurisdiction.
Around 1.5 million Syrians live in Lebanon, making it the country with the highest refugee population per capita in the world. Some 800,000 of them are registered with the UN. Lebanese officials regularly call on their repatriation, despite the cases presented by NGOs and rights groups detailing how many Syrians who attempt a return are detained or conscripted into the military. More than 4,000 civilians and combatants were killed in Syria in 2023, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
