Syrian Ministry of Information Clarifies Foreign Journalist Protocols
In an effort to foster a secure and professional media environment, the Syrian Ministry of Information has unveiled the official protocols governing the entry and accreditation of foreign journalists. This announcement coincides with the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.
Omar Ghazal, an official with the Ministry’s External Media Department, detailed the process for obtaining authorization. Journalists seeking to report in Syria must submit an electronic application, providing comprehensive personal and professional details. This application must be accompanied by an official letter from the journalist’s affiliated media organization.
The External Media Department processes these requests within one week, with applicants notified of the outcome via email. If approved, the journalist is issued a one-month entry visa. Upon arrival in Syria, journalists are required to visit the External Media Department to receive final clearance, which authorizes them to carry out their professional duties legally.
Ghazal noted that these measures are designed to enhance the transparency of media work and facilitate the tasks of foreign personnel in the country. Highlighting the scale of activity since the liberation period, he stated that 2,387 journalists of various nationalities have been granted entry visas, while approximately 110 foreign media outlets have submitted formal accreditation requests to the Ministry.
Regarding the accreditation of foreign media organizations, Ghazal explained that outlets must submit a formal request via the External Media Department’s official email address. The application must include the official stamp and signature of the media organization’s director, as well as a list of staff members for accreditation, including their professional titles. Once the necessary paperwork is completed and the prescribed fees are paid, the media outlet is issued a press card valid for six or twelve months. Furthermore, accredited journalists are granted the benefit of multiple-entry visas for the duration of the organization’s accreditation.
These regulatory steps form part of the Ministry’s broader strategy to enable media professionals to fulfill their roles with professionalism. These actions underscore a commitment to protecting journalists and providing a clear legal framework for their work in Syria, aligning with international standards that emphasize the importance of highlighting journalistic activities and ensuring safe working conditions.
Source: Syria Focus Arabic
