Syrian refugees in south Lebanon Thursday flocked for a third day to General Security offices to settle their residency status before the end of the year deadline.
Dozens of Syrians stood in queues outside the security agency's headquarters in the southern towns of Nabatieh, Tibnin, and Jezzine amid tight security measures.
In Nabatieh, the Syrians erected a tent where many gathered before going in groups to the center.
Earlier this week, General Security reminded Syrian refugees who have either entered the country illegally or overstayed their legal stay that they have until the end of the year to settle their residency status.
Syrians have until Dec. 31, 2014, to settle their status without paying fines.
General Security will issue a special, nonrenewable six-month residency permit for Syrians who have entered the country illegally and a normal six-month permit for those who have overstayed their legal residence.
Both permits are free of charge.
Those with long-term residency permits and work permits are excluded from the measures.
“The refugees could either return to Syria or stay here,” a General Security source told The Daily Star.
The source said refugees were taking advantage of the offer and were flocking in large numbers to General Security offices across the country.
The source also denied rumors circulating among Syrians that they had until the end of September to settle their status.
“Those who do not settle their status would be a difference case that we would deal with starting next year.”
Refugees need to present their passports or other valid identification documents to the authorities to begin the application process.
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