Egypt to grant Syrians free visas

As human rights groups slam reports that refugees fleeing war-torn Syria are being turned away at Egypt's border, the government said on Monday it would grant Syrians free visas. 

The measure underscores Egypt’s support for the Syrian people, claimed the state-run Middle East News Agency.

Two weeks ago, Egypt imposed visa restrictions on Syrians for the first time, responding to allegations that Syrians were involve in protests supporting deposed President Mohamed Morsi and calling for his reinstatement. Some media outlets also accused Syrian nationals of being involved in clashes between protesters and the Armed Forces.

Since then, flights from Syria have reportedly been turned away from the Cairo International Airport.

Until recently, Syrians could enter Egypt without a visa. But without any prior warning, on July 8 Egypt’s new transitional government introduced a stricter entry policy for Syrian nationals, requiring them to obtain a visa and security clearance before arriving in the country.

The news came amid what many have called demonizing and xenophobic rhetoric in state and private media outlets against Syrians and Palestinians in Egypt, connecting them with unrest in Sinai.

Ahmed al-Jarba, head of the Syrian National Coalition, complained of the added burden these security and visa measures puts on Syrians, reported the state-run Al-Ahram portal.

In response, newly appointed Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy promised to reassess these measures, claiming they were only temporary and due to the country’s current emergency circumstances.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) criticized the sudden change in immigration policy.

“Egypt may be going through tumultuous times, but it must not return anyone, including Syrians, to somewhere threatening their life or freedom,” said Nadim Houry, deputy Middle East director at HRW.

“While the Egyptian government can require foreign nationals to obtain visas before arriving in Egypt, it must properly protect them. Egypt should continue to allow those fleeing from Syria to lodge asylum claims with UNHCR and receive protection,” he said.

These measures have also had an impact on Palestinian residents of Gaza. The independent, US-based Electronic Intifada website reported that the Egyptian authorities have instructed international airlines not to allow Palestinian Authority passport holders to board flights to Cairo en route to Gaza.