Lebanon says it won't accept more Syrian refugees

Image
AP Beirut
Last Updated : Oct 23 2014 | 10:55 PM IST
The Lebanese government says the tiny Mediterranean country will not accept any more Syrian refugees except for what authorities deem to be "exceptional" cases.
Today's statement by Information Minister Ramzi Jreij says Lebanon cannot handle any more refugees.
There are some 1.1 million Syrian refugees officially registered in Lebanon, making up almost a quarter of the country's population.
Jreij says the government will ask the UN refugee agency not to register any more cases in Lebanon and that Syrian refugees already here would be "encouraged to return to their country" or go elsewhere.
The Syrian civil war has had an enormous impact on Lebanon. The refugees have stretched the country's already fragile infrastructure and are competing with Lebanon's poorest for low-paid jobs.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Oct 23 2014 | 10:55 PM IST

Next Story