The Syrian Civil Status Directorate announced on Thursday the extension of the citizenship application period for Kurdish citizens by an additional 15 days in the centers of Hasakah, Qamishli, and Joudaia. This extension is intended to increase the number of applications submitted and ensure the completion of the necessary legal procedures.
Abdullah Abdullah, the director of civil status, stated in a press release that this decision was made following the expiration of the previously set deadline for receiving applications, aiming to organize them according to established legal protocols. Abdullah emphasized that the extension reflects the Ministry of Interior's commitment to providing opportunities for all interested individuals to submit their applications and ensuring that the files are reviewed accurately and fairly.
Details of the Event
As part of the follow-up on the implementation of the citizenship law for the Kurdish community, the director of civil status conducted a field visit in the city of Qamishli, where he observed the workflow in executing the law. The process for receiving applications from Kurds wishing to obtain Syrian citizenship began on April 6 of last year, in accordance with Decree No. (13) of 2026 issued by the President of the Republic.
In this context, Aziz Al-Mohimad, the director of civil affairs in Hasakah province, noted that several centers have been opened to receive applications from those wishing to obtain Syrian citizenship in various areas of the province, including the local council in Hasakah city and the civil registry center in Derbasiya.
Background & Context
This extension comes in line with Presidential Decree No. (13) of 2026, which affirms that Syrian Kurdish citizens are an integral part of the Syrian people. The first article of the decree stipulates the state's commitment to protecting cultural and linguistic diversity and ensuring the rights of Kurdish citizens to revive their heritage and arts.
The General Directorate of Civil Affairs was instructed on January 28 to prepare the executive instructions for this decree, taking into account the simplification of procedures for those wishing to obtain citizenship. This decree is considered an important step towards enhancing the rights of Syrian Kurds within the framework of national sovereignty.
Impact & Consequences
The extension of the citizenship application period represents a positive step towards enhancing the rights of Kurdish citizens in Syria and reflects the Syrian government's efforts to address issues of identity and belonging. This move may also contribute to improving relations between the Syrian government and the Kurdish community, thereby enhancing stability in the region.
This extension is expected to lead to an increase in the number of applications submitted, which could improve the legal status of Syrian Kurds and enhance their participation in the political and social life of the country.
Regional Significance
This step holds particular importance in the context of the current situation in the region, as it reflects the Syrian government's efforts to address identity and belonging issues. Strengthening the rights of Kurdish citizens may contribute to achieving stability in northeastern Syria, positively impacting regional security.
As security and economic challenges continue in the region, enhancing the rights of Syrian Kurds could be a step towards achieving balance and stability, reflecting the Syrian government's commitment to cultural and linguistic diversity.