Syrian National Coalition denies issuing temporary protection cards for Syrians in Turkey
Istanbul – North-Press Agency
Samer Taha
Sources in the Syrian National Coalition have denied to North-Press recent reports regarding a decision to issue temporary protection cards (Kimlik) by the opposition coalition for the Syrian refugees in Turkey.
Rumors circulated through social media websites that spoke of mediation by the Syrian opposition parties regarding issuing Kimlik for the Syrian refugees that could be recognized in all Turkish territories.
Special sources confirmed to North-Press that the decision was based on a step taken by the Syrian National Coalition years ago, which was related to the process of issuing passports by the Syrian opposition in Turkey, which was canceled later.
While the member of the Political Body of the Syrian National Coalition, Yahya Al-Maktabi has confirmed to North-Press that the Coalition is “in constant contact with the Turkish officials about the issue of the Syrian refugees, whether in the Interior Ministry or the Directorate of Turkish Migration, in addition to a cooperation with civil society organizations, including the forum of associations”.
Al-Maktabi noted that this contact is to “ease the impact of this sudden decision and try to give time for people to settle their situation before the implementation of that decision”.
Al-Maktabi “solidarized” with the Turkish laws but retracted that “There are many special cases for the Syrians in Istanbul who do not have any documents, need to take these cases into consideration and the case in general so there is no fault by the implementation of the law”.
It’s noteworthy that the latest official wave against the Syrian refugees in Turkey included the deportation of about 150 people outside Istanbul, including persons separated from their families, at a time where Syrian refugees face difficulty in moving, as well as checks and inspections by the Turkish authorities, especially in the workplaces of the refugees in different areas.
While different Turkish areas have witnessed Turkish attacks against Syrian refugees with the initiative of the Turkish authorities to launch a check and inspection campaign on the temporary protection cards (Kimlik), coinciding with the issuance of a statement by the Turkish Immigration Directorate for the Syrians, according to various sources.
The warning stated that “In accordance with article 33 of the Temporary Protection Regulations, the Syrians in our country are obliged to comply with the subjects requested by the Directorate General of Immigration and State Administration, and the violation of these regulations will contradict with attitudes and behavior to the terms and requirements of public order”.
The warning stressed that “Violating public order, is one of the reasons for the cancellation of temporary protection, in accordance with article 8 of the Temporary Protection Regulations, if you want to go to a province other than the one where you are registered, you must apply to the Immigration Department of the province or the concerned authorities to obtain a travel permit”.
The warning concluded that “Anyone who violates those laws, will be held to legal accountability and will be subjected to administrative and judicial procedures, and may include the cancellation of the temporary protection”.