Attachments
Situation Overview
• Following the ceasefire in Lebanon, 4,035 refugees have reportedly returned home from Iraq through the Al-Qaim border crossing. This includes 355 on 26 and 27 November, 1,210 on 28 November, 1,490 on 29 November and 912 on 30 November. The number of Lebanese refugee departures from Baghdad and Najaf airports are not yet confirmed. Despite this, returns to Lebanon through the land border crossing drastically reduced from 01 December given the developing situation in Syria and the partial closure of the Al-Qaim border crossing, with 19 and 49 Lebanese refugees departing on 01 and 02 December respectively.
• Since 01 December, the Al-Qaim border crossing is only allowing entry for Iraqis or Lebanese/Syrian nationalities who are married to Iraqis and already have the prerequisite entry documents. In addition, there are restrictions on departure from Iraq to Syria through the border crossing with only Lebanese/Syrian nationals allowed to exit Iraq. Additionally, Iraqi bus drivers are reportedly no longer permitted to drive beyond the border into Syria, further restricting road travel options for Lebanese refugees seeking to return by land.
• In light of the above situation, the Iraqi Government has indicated discussions are underway with the Ministry of Transport to support Lebanese wishing to return to depart by air. On 02 December, the Prime Minister of Iraq directed the concerned authorities to operate free flights for those wishing to return.
According to media reports, over 4,000 Lebanese in Karbala and Najaf have already registered to return home. UNHCR is also aware that Lebanese who can afford their own flights, continue to return home via air, with Middle East Airlines (MEA) flights from Baghdad to Beirut currently fully booked until 9 December and from Najaf to Beirut until 6 December.
• Despite the ceasefire, small numbers of Lebanese continue arriving in Iraq with 110 arrivals through the Al-Qaim border crossing since 27 November. An additional 1,066 Lebanese are also reported to have arrived in Iraq through airports in Baghdad and Najaf although their purpose of travel is unknown. UNHCR continues to actively monitor and gather data on the arrivals and departure from Lebanon to Iraq.
• On 01 December, UNHCR met with the Ministry of Migration and Displacement (MOMD) alongside IOM and UN Habitat to discuss the short- and long-term planning scenarios for Lebanese refugees in Iraq.
The Prime Ministers Office (PMO) has directed MOMD to continue to coordinate with the UN and prepare plans for the continued hosting of Lebanese.
• On 28 November, UNHCR accompanied the UN Resident Coordinator on a one-day mission to Kerbala for meetings with the Governor and provincial authorities as well as Sheikh Abdul Mahdi Al-Karbalai on the situation and plans related to support Lebanese in the Governorate, with a focus on return. 1
The latest update on the situation in Syria can be viewed here https://reporting.unhcr.org/syrian-arab-republic-emergency-response-brief-6 and from Lebanon here https://reporting.unhcr.org/lebanon-emergency-flash-update-17 Update on Displacement from Lebanon to Iraq 04 December 2024 Data referenced is based on information UNHCR has collated from Government sources and partners between 27 September and 03 November.