Lebanese React to PM Mikati's Call for Seasonal Syrian Migration

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati recently discussed the issue of displaced Syrians in Lebanon during an interview on LBCI channel, stating that there is a new path from the European perspective. Mikati emphasized that any Syrian living in Lebanon illegally will be deported, while those who are registered will be treated differently.

Why this matters: The fate of Syrian refugees in Lebanon has significant implications for regional stability and the global refugee crisis. A mismanaged situation could lead to increased tensions between Lebanon and Syria, as well as a potential influx of asylum seekers into European countries.

The Lebanese state has decided to apply laws to all countries in Lebanon, and all people living illegally will be deported to their country of origin. Mikati confirmed that there are three categories of displaced people and demanded that Lebanese laws be implemented on Lebanese territory.

The announcement comes on the heels of a meeting on May 2, 2024 between Mikati, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in Beirut. During the meeting, the European Union announced a 1 billion euro aid package for Lebanon aimed at strengthening border control and halting the flow of asylum seekers and migrants to Cyprus and Italy.

The aid package, to be distributed between 2024 and 2027, includes 736 million euros to support Syrian refugees and other vulnerable groups in Lebanon, 200 million euros to bolster Lebanese security services in enforcing border and migration control, and an unspecified amount for Lebanese fishermen to discourage them from selling boats to smugglers. The EU will also explore a more structured approach to voluntary return to Syria in close cooperation with the UN refugee agency (UNHCR).

"We demand that Lebanese laws be implemented on the territory of Lebanon, and we asked the European Union to accept the principle that there are safe areas in Syria," Mikati stated. He also noted, "I called the Syrian Prime Minister, and I heard a clear answer from him that Syria does not stand as an obstacle to any Syrian who wants to return to his country."

Lebanon currently hosts nearly 785,000 registered Syrian refugees, the highest population of refugees per capita in the world. Tensions around their presence have flared in recent years, with Lebanese political officials calling for the international community to either resettle the refugees in other countries or assist in returning them to Syria.

Looking ahead, Mikati is set to attend a conference in Brussels to discuss the issue of displaced Syrians and present a World Bank report on the impact of the Syrian movement on Lebanon. Foreign Minister Abdullah Bouhabib will also visit Damascus to discuss the matter with Syrian officials, while Major General Elias Al Bisari, Director General of Lebanese Security Operations, is slated to visit Syria soon.

As Mikati noted,"Lebanon's security is security for European countries and vice versa. Any blowup related to the issue of displaced persons will not be limited to Lebanon but will extend to Europe to become a regional and international crisis. "The path forward for Lebanon and its sizableSyrian refugee populationremains complex, with the Lebanese government, European Union, and international community grappling with the challenges of migration, security, and humanitarian concerns.

Key Takeaways

• Lebanon to deport illegal Syrian refugees, treat registered ones differently.
• EU announces 1 billion euro aid package to Lebanon for border control and refugee support.
• Lebanon demands implementation of its laws on its territory, including for refugees.
• Syria agrees to accept returning refugees, according to Lebanese PM Mikati.
• Regional stability and global refugee crisis at stake in Lebanon's refugee situation.