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Immigration and Passport Directorate

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Immigration and Passports Directorate
إدارة الهجرة والجوازات
Agency overview
Formed1946
TypeDirectorate
JurisdictionSyria
HeadquartersDamascus
Agency executive
  • Walid Arabi, Director
Parent departmentMinistry of Interior

The Immigration and Passports Directorate (إدارة الهجرة والجوازات) is a government agency in Syria under the Ministry of the Interior. It is responsible for the issuance of Syrian passports, travel documents, and managing immigration and border control procedures.[1]

History

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The Directorate traces its origins to the establishment of the modern Syrian state's administrative structures following independence in 1946. It operates as a specialized department within the Ministry of the Interior, with a central passport register maintained in Damascus.[2] During the Syrian Civil War, the Directorate faced significant challenges, including delays in passport issuance, increased fees, and allegations of corruption involving brokers.[3]

In late 2016, the Directorate announced plans to introduce biometric passports to enhance security features. Following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in December 2024 and the establishment of a transitional government, the Directorate underwent reforms. On 3 July 2025, it unveiled a redesigned Syrian passport with a green cover and a new national emblem as part of the country's updated visual identity.[4] In January 2025, the Directorate resumed full operations after a temporary suspension, introducing a new passport issuance system to expedite services for all age groups, with validity extended to six years.[5][6]

Responsibilities

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The Directorate's primary functions include:

  • Issuing and renewing Syrian passports and other travel documents, such as those for Palestinian refugees, Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, maritime personnel, and aircrew.
  • Managing immigration procedures, including entry and exit controls at border crossings and airports.
  • Overseeing visa issuance and coordination with Syrian diplomatic missions abroad for expatriate services.[7]
  • Maintaining a centralized database of civil and travel documents in collaboration with the Civil Affairs Directorate.[8]

It operates branches in various governorates, except in conflict-affected areas like Suwayda, Quneitra, Hasaka, and Raqqa as of late 2025.[9]

Passport issuance

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Syrian passports are issued to all nationals regardless of age, with applications processed at Directorate offices or through authorized representatives abroad.[10] Required documents typically include civil registry extracts, photographs, and approvals for certain categories like civil servants.[11] In April 2015, procedures were simplified to allow issuance to refugees and those who left illegally, without intelligence reviews.

The Directorate introduced an online booking system in November 2021 to reduce wait times, though it has been criticized for enabling corruption.[12] Fees vary, with standard issuance inside Syria costing around 1,850 Syrian pounds (approximately US$0.30 as of 2013 rates, adjusted for inflation).[13] Under 2025 reforms, expatriates can apply via relatives or legal representatives, with fees set at $300 for normal passports and $800 for urgent ones abroad.[14][15]

Controversies

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During the civil war, the Directorate was accused of exploiting applicants through high fees for expatriates (up to US$1,000 including bribes) and delays that stranded Syrians abroad.[16] Brokers colluding with officials exacerbated access issues.[17] In June 2025, human rights groups called for urgent reforms to reduce fees and processing times, citing economic burdens on citizens.[18] Post-2024 reforms have sparked hope but also skepticism, particularly among Kurds regarding equitable access and addressing historical marginalization.[19]

References

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  1. ^ "Syria - Travel". U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 2025-10-21.
  2. ^ "Country of Origin Information Report Syria Documents" (PDF). Government of the Netherlands. December 2019. Retrieved 2025-10-21.
  3. ^ "Delays and exploitation: Passport crisis prevents Syrians from leaving the country". Syria Direct. 22 August 2023. Retrieved 2025-10-21.
  4. ^ "Syria leader says passport will 'carry a lot of weight' in world". The New Arab. 13 January 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-21.
  5. ^ "Syrian Immigration and Passports Directorate Announces Details on Passport Issuance". Welat TV. 15 July 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-21.
  6. ^ "New Syrian Passport System Sparks Hope and Skepticism among the Kurds". Kurdistan24. 28 January 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-21.
  7. ^ "Syrian Arab Republic Ministry of Interior Civil Affairs Directorate". UNHCR. Retrieved 2025-10-21.
  8. ^ "Country of Origin Information Report Syria Documents" (PDF). Government of the Netherlands. December 2019. Retrieved 2025-10-21.
  9. ^ "Syrian Immigration and Passports Directorate Announces Details on Passport Issuance". Welat TV. 15 July 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-21.
  10. ^ "Syrian Arab Republic Ministry of Interior Civil Affairs Directorate". UNHCR. Retrieved 2025-10-21.
  11. ^ "Syrian Arab Republic Ministry of Interior Civil Affairs Directorate". UNHCR. Retrieved 2025-10-21.
  12. ^ "Delays and exploitation: Passport crisis prevents Syrians from leaving the country". Syria Direct. 22 August 2023. Retrieved 2025-10-21.
  13. ^ "IRB – Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada: Syria: Procedures to obtain, renew and replace national identity cards and passports". ECOI.net. 5 July 2013. Retrieved 2025-10-21.
  14. ^ "Syrian Immigration and Passports Directorate Announces Details on Passport Issuance". Welat TV. 15 July 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-21.
  15. ^ "Syria to resume passport issuance Sunday for expatriates". Anadolu Agency. 9 January 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-21.
  16. ^ "Delays and exploitation: Passport crisis prevents Syrians from leaving the country". Syria Direct. 22 August 2023. Retrieved 2025-10-21.
  17. ^ "Delays and exploitation: Passport crisis prevents Syrians from leaving the country". Syria Direct. 22 August 2023. Retrieved 2025-10-21.
  18. ^ "Statement Calling for Urgent Reform of Syrian Passport Fees". Syrian Network for Human Rights. 5 June 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-21.
  19. ^ "New Syrian Passport System Sparks Hope and Skepticism among the Kurds". Kurdistan24. 28 January 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-21.
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