Naturalization of foreigners has begun in Syria

Reports and sources in Syria reported that Syrian authorities have been conducting a campaign since last June to naturalize foreign fighters, with the rate reaching approximately 40 people per day.

The initial recruitment process, most likely with Turkestani citizenship, began in a process whose details have not been officially announced.

The naturalization coincided with a statement by the Syrian transitional President Ahmed al Sharaa in which he stated that it was necessary to acknowledge the gratitude of these fighters who supported the uprising.

This was interpreted politically as a US green light to integrate them into the Syrian army, subject to precise arrangements.

The foreign fighters, through their representatives, submitted a petition to the Ministry of Interior requesting citizenship.

They claimed they lacked personal documents, some had been deprived of their original nationality, and had established families within Syria.

Their demands focus on the right to Syrian citizenship and to hold a Syrian passport to ensure a decent life and enjoy civil rights.

Experts believe that these fighters were the backbone of military operations against ISIS, and that abandoning them could harm the movement that trusted them.

Internationally, their deportation could lead to unintended consequences, as well as impact Chinese national and regional security, especially given the presence of Uyghur fighters linked to extremist networks in Asia.

Observers’ opinions varied: some considered naturalization a legitimate right and a reward for sacrifices, while others viewed it as a potential threat, fearing the continuation of extremism and the threat to Syria’s social fabric, especially in light of UN reports about the participation of foreign fighters in acts of violence.

It’s worth noting that US President Donald Trump had stipulated that the Syrian government remove these fighters from the Syrian scene as part of his five-demand deal, raising questions about the sudden shift in the Syrian position.