Penalties for obtaining an exit visa fraudulently (1995-2002) [SYR39997.E]

References to possible specific penalties for obtaining an exit visa fraudulently or for exiting the country illegally could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.

The information that follows adds to that provided in SYR32552.E of 23 August 1999 and SYR17638.E of 10 June 1994.

In 1999 the United States Department of State reported the following:

Citizens require government permission to travel abroad. Some have been denied such permission on political grounds, although government officials deny that the practice occurs. The authorities may prosecute any person found attempting to emigrate or travel abroad without official permission, or suspected of having visited Israel (Country Reports 1998 1999, Sec. 2.d).

However, in 2002 the same source reported more extensively on the subject of external travel, including specific references to permission to travel abroad and exit visa requirements or absence thereof:

The Government limits freedom of movement. The Government restricts travel near the Golan Heights. Travel to Israel is illegal. In November 1999, the Government eased many of its travel restrictions, which made it easier for most citizens to travel abroad. In December 2000, the Government lifted the ban on travel to Iraq. Exit visas generally no longer are required for women, men over 50 years old, and citizens living abroad. Individuals have been denied permission to travel abroad on political grounds, although government officials deny that this practice occurs. The authorities may prosecute any person found attempting to emigrate or to travel abroad illegally, or who has been deported from another country, or who is suspected of having visited Israel. Women over the age of 18 have the legal right to travel without the permission of male relatives. However, a husband may file a request with the Ministry of Interior to prohibit his wife's departure from the country....
The Government has refused [to] recognize the citizenship of or to grant identity documents to some persons of Kurdish descent. Their lack of citizenship or identity documents restricts them from traveling to and from the country.
... As of June [2001] 391,651 Palestinian refugees were registered with the U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in the country. In general Palestinian refugees no longer report unusual difficulties travelling in and out of the country, as was the case in the past. The Government restricts entry by Palestinians who are not resident in the country (Country Reports 2001 2002, Sec. 2.d).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

References


Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2001. 2002. "Syria." United States Department of State. Washington, DC. http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2001/nea/8298.htm [Accessed 16 Oct. 2002]

Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1998. 1999. "Syria." United States Department of State. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office.

Additional Sources Consulted


Amnesty International Annual Report. 1995-2002.

Embassy of Syria, Ottawa.

Human Rights Watch World Report. 1995-2002.

IRB Databases.

Travel Information Manual. 1998-2002.

Internet sites and search engines, including:

Amnesty International.

Government of Syria.

Human Rights Watch.

Immigration and Nationality Directorate Country Assessments, United Kingdom.

International Organization for Migration.

REFWORLD.

United States Government (including Immigration and Naturalization Service and Department of State).

United States Committee for Refugees (USCR).

World News Connection (WNC).