Though Syrians have been struggling with the economic disruption and COVID-19 pandemic, refugees and asylum-seekers are even more vulnerable as, for example, they do not have access to subsidized food and fuel, two critical basic needs.
The renewal of residency permits for Iraqi refugees and asylum-seekers whose passport has expired was a challenge. UNHCR intervened with Immigration authorities to extend residency permits regardless of the validity of national passports. However, the delay in getting this extension usually led to the imposition of fines creating financial hurdles for refugees and asylum-seekers.
UNHCR has limited the reception of refugees and asylum-seekers at its premises to the most urgent cases in line with COVID-19 protocols. After UNHCR’s advocacy, the Government of Syria granted temporary residency for two months based on expired UNHCR ID cards. This measure is exceptional, and it is unclear if and for how long this flexibility will be extended. The Office has therefore prepared a prioritization plan for a partial resumption of regular renewal activities as soon as the situation allows (as of February 2021, registration has partially resumed).
UNHCR provided cash assistance to refugees through monthly grants, education grant, winter assistance and COVID-19 one-off assistance. However, the rate of assistance was inadequate to cover their needs due to the rapid depreciation of the Syrian pound and market inflation. While recognising the insufficient support, especially during this extremely difficult time, UNHCR was unable to increase the assistance to refugees. Assistance to asylum-seekers was provided only on a very exceptional basis.
Due to funding shortages, 82% of refugees living in camps with mental health and psycho-social problems did not receive any type of mental health or psycho-social remedial services. 100% of older persons and half of persons with disabilities had no rehabilitation support. Over 85% of persons at protection and health risks did not receive in-kind assistance.
Targeting vulnerable refugees with livelihood support was difficult due to current legislations restricting refugees’ access to work. Moreover, the worsening economic situation and the COVID-19 pandemic have further hindered efforts to provide livelihood support to refugees and asylum-seekers. Due to limited funding, 534 refugees and asylum-seekers did not receive livelihood support.
UNHCR was able to provide secondary and tertiary medical care only to a very limited number of refugees in need. Some 500 refugees and asylum-seekers suffering from chronic medical conditions were unable to access medicine due to the disrupted pharmaceutical industry and medicine supply in Syria and the high costs.