Lebanon will begin from Monday to impose visa restrictions on Syrians in an attempt to stem the huge influx of refugees into the country.
According to the U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR), 1.15 million Syrian refugees are registered in Lebanon, increasing the country’s population by 25%, the Wall Street Journal reports.
Syrian refugees have found work as unskilled laborers in the domestic, agriculture or construction industries. But the competition for jobs with their Lebanese counterparts has created tensions between the two communities.
Previously, Syrians and Lebanese could travel between the two countries largely unrestricted. Now, Syrians wanting to cross into Lebanon must apply for a visa at the border and those wanting to work will have to be sponsored by a Lebanese person or company.
[WJS]
More Must-Reads From TIME
- The 100 Most Influential People of 2024
- Coco Gauff Is Playing for Herself Now
- Scenes From Pro-Palestinian Encampments Across U.S. Universities
- 6 Compliments That Land Every Time
- If You're Dating Right Now , You're Brave: Column
- The AI That Could Heal a Divided Internet
- Fallout Is a Brilliant Model for the Future of Video Game Adaptations
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Write to Helen Regan at helen.regan@timeasia.com