Iraq deports Syrian refugees to Northeast Syria
RAQQA, Syria (North Press) – The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) said on Wednesday Iraq initiated the deportation of Syrian refugees living within its territory to northeast Syria.
The AANES stated that the Iraqi government has started the deportation process of Syrians who sought refuge in Iraq since the beginning of the Syrian crisis.
Those being deported from Iraq originally came from areas held by the Syrian government, and they are being transported to northeast Syria with the intention of returning them to their original places of residency, according to the AANES.
Additionally, Iraq had announced it will no longer issue visas or renew residence permits for Syrians, especially unmarried individuals. The government stated that this decision aims to provide more job opportunities for local youth.
The deportation process is ongoing and will continue in the following days until all individuals are returned to their respective areas, the AANES added.
Tens of thousands of Syrians reside in Iraq, most of them young people working in various professions, and it hosts tens of thousands of Syrian refugees in several camps.