Syria Introduces New Rules for Issuing Passports to Citizens Abroad via Relatives

ARK News.. Syria’s Immigration and Passports Directorate has issued new procedures allowing Syrians living abroad to obtain passports through their relatives inside the country. The circular, sent to branches across Damascus and other provinces, allows passports with a validity of up to two and a half years, following verification that the applicant resides outside Syria.

The rules cover citizens who left the country illegally, those with official actions issued in 2025 or later, and individuals previously flagged by the Ministries of Defense, Interior, Justice, or criminal courts. Applications can be processed through either the regular or expedited queue, with consular fees set at $200 and $400 respectively.

The move follows the opening of a new Immigration and Passports Center in central Damascus in September, aimed at easing pressure on existing offices and advancing the ministry’s plans for full automation. Separately, the ministry announced the cancellation of over 45,000 old administrative actions to correct legal errors and protect citizens’ rights.

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