The Syrian Refugee Crisis
Following the declaration of the European Parliament regarding the situation in Lebanon dated July 7th 2023, the Lebanese Private Sector Network wishes to address article 13 of this declaration related to the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland.
Prerequisites for a solution
The urgent need to execute a dignified return of Syrian refugees to non-conflict prone areas in Syria with the support and funding of the international community. Temporary camps in Syrian ‘safe zones’ should be considered and funded by the International Community while homes are rebuilt.
Lebanon must not become a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention.
If the international community is unable to solve the political crisis causing the massive Syrian displacement which has disproportionately burdened fragile Lebanon, then the refugees must be temporarily resettled in other host countries-namely Europe.
Meanwhile, the focus should be on alleviating the burden on Lebanon by creating temporary well-managed transit centres for refugees as close as possible to the Syrian border.
Required steps
From International Organizations
Share data on the refugees with the Lebanese authorities and on a continuous basis.
Upgrade assistance to Lebanon with regards to strict border control.
Limit aid disbursements to a maximum of five children per couple and only one spouse (same as NSSF laws).
From the Lebanese Government
Create a Central Records Repository for all refugee data including individuals who cross over into Syria and back on a regular or exceptional basis. This register should be publicly available.
Plan the need for foreign workers on a sector-by-sector basis (seasonal or full year) and assign a quota for Syrian nationals with parallel efforts to skill Lebanese unemployed citizens to occupy available jobs.
Repatriate individuals who have demonstrably been able to return safely along with their families unless they hold valid work sponsor papers, and pay taxes.
Impose income tax on Syrian workers to be withheld and settled on their behalf by their employers and apply penalties on those non-compliant.
Compel Syrian workers to purchase medical insurance comparable to all foreign expatriate workers.