Interviews begin for syrian citizenship for kurds covered by decree no. 13 in Hasaka

Interviews for the restoration of Syrian citizenship to Kurdish citizens covered by Decree No. 13 began this morning at four centers in Hasaka Governorate: Hasaka, Çil Agha, and two centers in the city of Qamishlo—one of which is designated for applicants from the city of Derik and its surrounding sub-districts.

The first phase covers approximately 2,892 families and 10,516 individual applicants who had previously completed registration procedures at centers in Qamishlo, Hasaka, Çil Agha, and Derik.

Interviews are conducted according to pre-scheduled dates and times, and all family members are required to attend to finalize the procedures, whether they are currently in the country or arriving from abroad.

While monitoring operations at the Çil Agha center, officials explained that the process involves three main stages. First, the reception committee receives applicants, verifies their details using the code assigned to them during registration, and electronically records their attendance. Next, the individual proceeds to the fingerprinting and photography committee, where a compliant personal photograph is taken and full fingerprints are collected from all fingers.

The third and final stage involves proceeding to the interview committee—comprising a judge and assistants—where the applicant is interviewed. Following a review of the file, a decision to accept or reject the application is made; if approved, the applicant's data is immediately entered into the general civil registry network.

Center officials noted that the application registration period remains open for one month for those who were unable to submit their requests during the previous registration window; these individuals may apply by visiting the Hasaka Governorate building. It is noteworthy that the head of the Syrian Interim Government issued Decree No. 13 on January 16, 2026, mandating a resolution to the issue of the "unregistered".

The issue of the "unregistered" stems from the exceptional census conducted in Hasaka Governorate on October 5, 1962, which resulted in large numbers of Kurdish citizens being deprived of Syrian citizenship. Estimates indicate that the number of individuals deprived of citizenship—including the unregistered—has exceeded 500,000 over the past decades.

Sh-S

ANHA