Syria begins citizenship process for Kurds under decree
Syria starts accepting applications from Kurds for citizenship, aiming to reverse decades of exclusion following a controversial 1962 census
HASAKAH, Syria (MNTV) — Syrian authorities have begun processing citizenship applications from Kurds under a new presidential decree, marking a significant move to address long-standing statelessness in the country.
The initiative follows the issuance of Decree No. 13 earlier this year, which nullifies the impact of the 1962 census in Hasakah province that had stripped many Kurds of citizenship rights.
According to news sources, the measure grants nationality to Syrians of Kurdish origin, including those previously unregistered in official records.
Registration centers in Hasakah, Qamishli, Derek, and Al-Darbasiyah reported a strong turnout on the first day, particularly among individuals who had lived for decades without legal status.
Applicants can file requests individually or as families through simplified procedures, with authorities conducting interviews and verification before issuing collective naturalization decisions, officials said.
Additional application centers have also been opened in major cities, including Aleppo and Damascus to facilitate the process.
Many Kurdish residents described the move as a long-awaited step toward restoring basic rights after years of marginalization. However, reactions among political groups have been mixed.
The Autonomous Administration in northeastern Syria criticized the decree as insufficient, arguing that only constitutional guarantees can ensure lasting rights, while the Kurdish National Council welcomed the measure but called for broader legal protections in the future.
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