Egypt exempts Syrians from residency fines to facilitate their return to Syria

The Egyptian authorities have announced a new decision to exempt Syrians residing in Egypt and wishing to return to their country from paying fines for residency renewal delays, in a step aimed at facilitating the return procedures and alleviating the burdens on the Syrian community.

Egyptian sources revealed that the decision has effectively come into force and will continue for a period of 3 months, indicating that the previous fines have been a major obstacle for many Syrians wishing to return to Syria, especially after accumulating large financial amounts due to their delays in renewing their residencies.

The sources explained that the fines are not uniform, but are determined according to the duration of the delay, pointing out that a large number of Syrians have been unable to leave due to their inability to pay these fees.

In the same context, the General Authority for the Red Sea Ports announced that thousands of Syrians have left Egypt during the past six months through the Nuweiba Port to the Jordanian port of Aqaba, and from there to the Jaber border crossing in preparation for entering Syria.

45 sea trips have been implemented as part of an organized plan in cooperation with the Arab Bridge Maritime Company, and in full coordination with the security, customs, and immigration authorities.

Major General Mohamed Abdel-Rahim, Chairman of the Red Sea Ports Authority, confirmed that the authority continues to provide support and facilitations for departing Syrians by providing the latest ferries equipped with full safety measures for passenger transport, and in continuous cooperation with the relevant authorities to facilitate procedures.

This decision comes within the framework of Egypt's clear policy to provide possible facilitations for Syrians since the fall of the former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime in December last year, where Cairo is making great efforts to encourage the voluntary return of Syrians and provide a safe environment for them to leave with dignity.

It is worth mentioning that the Egyptian authorities recently took decisions to prevent Syrians holding European, American, and Canadian residency permits, as well as Schengen visa holders, from entering without prior security approval.

The decision also included preventing Syrians married to Egyptians from entering unless they have security approval.