Palestinians in Syria
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 581,000 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Damascus, Rif Dimashq, Daraa, Homs, Aleppo, Latakia and Hama governorates | |
| Languages | |
| Arabic | |
| Religion | |
|
Majority: Islam Minority: Christianity |
Palestinians in Syria are people of Palestinian origin, most of whom have been residing in Syria after they were expelled and displaced from their homeland in the 1948 Palestinian exodus. Palestinians hold most of the same rights as the Syrian population, barring citizenship rights.
The initial influx of Palestinians was substantial (90,000–100,000), and the government, through a series of laws, gradually paved the way for their integration into the Syrian socioeconomic structure while preserving their separate Palestinian identity.
Palestinians in Syria have the right to own more than one business or commercial enterprise as well as the right to lease properties. These rights extend to trade and commerce. Union membership in Syria is also open to Palestinians. Palestinians are free to travel throughout Syria and have the right to establish residence in Syrian villages and cities.
There is, however, a prominent gap in the home and land ownership laws. Unlike Syrian nationals, Palestinians may not own more than one home or purchase arable land. Also, Palestinian refugees in Syria do not have the right to vote or candidate for the People's Council or presidency.
Due to the civil war in Syria that commenced in 2011, many Palestinians in Syria have been displaced, either within Syria itself or they have fled the country. Their propensity to fleeing includes having been under siege in refugee camps, mainly by Shia militias and the forces of the Assad regime. While many have opted to make the dangerous journey to Europe as conditions remain hostile to Palestinians in neighbouring Middle Eastern states.
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Wikipedia