Syrian Authorities Reclassify ID Status for Hundreds of Thousands of Palestinians to 'Resident Palestinian'

Syrian authorities have officially reclassified the identification status of Palestinians residing in the country, changing their designation from “Palestinian-Syrian refugees” to “resident Palestinians.” This significant shift, implemented in July 2025, marks a notable change in Syria's long-standing policy towards its Palestinian refugee community, estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands.

"Syrian authorities have officially changed the ID status of Palestinians in Syria from “Palestinian-Syrian refugees” to “resident Palestinians,” granting them formal residency cards and opening a potential path to citizenship," stated Hamza in a recent social media post.

Palestinians have resided in Syria since the 1948 Nakba, with many having enjoyed a unique legal status that granted them nearly equal rights to Syrian citizens in areas such as education, employment, and residency, though not full citizenship or the right to own agricultural land. Their affairs have historically been managed by the General Authority for Palestinian Arab Refugees (GAPAR). Law 260 of 1956 was instrumental in establishing many of these rights, allowing them to integrate significantly into Syrian society while retaining their Palestinian identity.

However, the recent reclassification has been met with mixed reactions and concerns. According to reports from Syrian news outlets like Zaman al-Wasl, the new documentation not only renames their status but also replaces the "governorate" field with the term "foreigner," even for those born in Syria. This unannounced administrative change, applying to individuals aged between 30 and 50, has raised questions among human rights advocates regarding its full implications and whether it signifies a departure from previous policies.

Critics fear that while the term "resident Palestinian" might imply greater formal integration, the "foreigner" label could inadvertently strip away some of the near-equal rights previously enjoyed. Concerns are mounting that these legal adjustments could negatively impact access to essential services like healthcare, education, and travel document renewals, or complicate their legal standing if they attempt to travel internationally or return to Syria. The lack of official clarification from Syrian authorities has further fueled uncertainty among the affected population.

The long-term impact of this reclassification remains to be seen. While the new designation, as highlighted in the tweet, suggests a "potential path to citizenship," offering a glimmer of hope for permanent settlement, human rights organizations are closely monitoring the situation. The shift represents a complex evolution in the status of Palestinians in Syria, balancing potential integration benefits with fears of diminished historical rights and a threatened identity.