Lebanon: Syrian Refugees Forced to Live in the Shadows

Lebanese authorities are imposing regulations that effectively bar many Syrian refugees from renewing their residency permits, heightening risks of exploitation and abuse among people who fled persecution and war. Residency regulations adopted in January 2015 have resulted in most Syrians losing their legal status. Only two out of the 40 refugees interviewed said they had been able to renew their residencies. Lebanese authorities should immediately revise the renewal regulations, including by waiving renewal fees and ending requirements for many refugees to find a sponsor.