Responding to Syria's strict adherence to new visa restrictions for Iraqis wishing to enter the country, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Friday urged the creation of a “humanitarian” visa for Iraqis fleeing violence. Since visa restrictions were imposed Monday, only Iraqis with visas for commercial, transport, scientific, and education purposes have been successful in crossing the border to Syria, UNHCR spokesman Ron Redmond told reporters in Geneva. To apply for such visas, Iraqis must apply at the Syrian embassy in the Al Mansour district of Baghdad. “Refugees have highlighted their concern that Al Mansour district is the scene of frequent violence, and not an area that large groups of people should gather,” Redmond said. Syria has said the visa restrictions are a result of the massive pressure placed on the country as it hosts over 1.4 million Iraqis refugees. “UNHCR continues to appeal for increased bilateral support to Syria so it can continue to support the Iraqi refugees living in the country and hopefully offer refuge for those Iraqis that need to flee Iraq in the future,” Redmond said. “From discussions with government officials, UNHCR understands that Iraqi refugees currently living in Syria will not be forcibly returned to Iraq,” Redmond said. However, Iraqi refugees are worried about their status after their visas expire. In the past, the documents could be renewed at the Syrian border for three months, and UNHCR said it hopes that Syria can establish such offices within the country for refugees to renew their visas.
