Situation analysis and change in context
Since the last quarter of 2014, the Government of Lebanon (GOL) has initiated a series of measures which have gradually restricted the flow of refugees into Lebanon. On 31 December 2014, 13 January and 3 and 23 February 2015, GSO issued a new set of regulations aimed at managing the flow of Syrians into Lebanon. These regulations provide that Syrians wishing to enter Lebanon will be admitted only for an approved reason upon presentation of valid identity documents and proof of the purpose of their sojourn in Lebanon. A list of categories for which admission would be granted was provided, as well as the duration of the authorized stay in Lebanon.
Refugees are only admitted to Lebanon on the grounds of exceptional humanitarian reasons. These reasons are determined according to criteria established by the Ministry of Social Affairs (MOSA). This includes unaccompanied/separated children whose parents/legal guardians are confirmed to be displaced in Lebanon; persons with disabilities dependent on family/relatives confirmed to be displaced in Lebanon; persons needing life-saving medical treatment not usually available in Syria, or not available in a timely manner; and individuals pursuing resettlement or transitioning through Lebanon to a third country. Pending the establishment of a regular presence at the border, MOSA has indicated it will assess individual cases based on referrals from protection partners. More than 50 cases have been referred to MOSA. To date, 13 cases of those referred by various protection partners have been approved.
