Expats Barred from Entering Northern Syria Due to Passport Rule

The recent decision regarding the Bab al-Hawa crossing, connecting Turkey’s Hatay province with Idlib in Syria, has sparked outrage among Syrian expatriates. The new regulation mandates a valid passport for travelers, impacting individuals like Mohsen Abu Omar of Sweden, who used to visit Idlib annually to support his family. This requirement has raised concerns about supporting Assad’s regime.

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Hanan Raji in Germany also expressed frustration, as renewing passports for her and her children would cost thousands of dollars, affecting her ability to help her family in Idlib. This decision may soon apply to other crossings, creating a growing separation from Syrian roots for expatriates.

Former opposition minister, Mohammed Yassin al-Najjar, criticized Turkey’s decision to limit entry to Syrians with valid passports, indirectly supporting Assad’s regime. The Minister of Finance in the opposition government, Abdul Hakim al-Masri, explained the reasoning behind the new rule at Bab al-Hawa crossing, citing concerns over liability and political motives.

With Turkey’s influence on the decision, expatriates fear the widening gap between them and their home country, as restrictions may limit future visits. The political implications of this regulation are unsettling for those who seek to support their families in war-torn Syria.