BEIRUT: Interior Minister Nouhad Machnouk Monday defended the new regulations requiring Syrians traveling to Lebanon to obtain visas, saying they will reduce the number of Syrians in the country.
The controversial measure which went into effect Monday requiring Syrians to obtain one of six visa types - tourist, business, student, transit, short stay or medical - has evoked mixed reactions.
“There are 1.5 million Syrians in Lebanon, among them 1,070,000 are registered as refugees,” Machnouk said in a press conference. “This number is enough, and Lebanon has no ability to receive more refugees.”