Syria to start receiving citizenship applications under Decree 13
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The Syrian Ministry of Interior announced on Wednesday that it will begin receiving applications for Syrian citizenship from those covered by Legislative Decree No. 13 starting on April 4, marking the first phase of the decree’s implementation.
The ministry’s General Directorate of Civil Affairs said the step comes in line with directives issued by Interior Minister Anas Khattab. The decree stipulates granting Syrian nationality to members of the Kurdish component.
According to the statement, accredited committees and centers will begin receiving applications on April 4 in the governorates of Damascus, Aleppo, Hasakah, Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor, with the aim of ensuring smooth procedures and easing the burden on applicants.
The first phase will focus on receiving requests and reviewing documents and supporting evidence in accordance with applicable legal procedures, ahead of completing the remaining steps required to grant citizenship.
Decree 13 is seen as a significant development for thousands of stateless Kurds in Syria who have faced legal and administrative challenges for decades due to the absence of official nationality.
The move follows earlier government announcements aimed at addressing long-standing civil status issues and facilitating legal recognition for affected groups.
Further details regarding required documents and procedural steps are expected to be issued by the ministry as the process begins.