More than 22,000 Palestinian refugees displaced from Syria to Lebanon are facing serious difficulties accessing residency permits, employment, education and healthcare, as legal and economic challenges continue to push families deeper into poverty.

A new report prepared by the Association of Palestinians Displaced from Syria to Lebanon highlighted the worsening living conditions of Palestinian families who fled Syria and sought refuge in Lebanon.

The report, based on field visits and interviews conducted between October 30 and November 5, found that many displaced Palestinians continue to struggle with legal status issues, limited access to essential services and deteriorating living conditions.

Residency problems prevent children from continuing education

One of the main challenges facing displaced Palestinian families is the difficulty of obtaining or renewing residency permits.

High renewal fees and complicated administrative procedures have left many refugees unable to maintain legal status, creating fears of detention at checkpoints and limiting access to education and other services.

According to the report, some schools, including the Haifa School in Shatila Camp, require valid residency documents for student registration. As a result, a number of children have been unable to continue their education.

The report included the case of a father whose daughter was unable to attend school for two years because of residency issues. Although he enrolled her in a private educational institution and paid the required fees, she was later unable to receive an education certificate because she lacked valid residency documents.

Unemployment and rising costs worsen living conditions

The report also pointed to difficulties faced by Palestinian refugees in the labour market.

Restrictions on certain professions and the lack of work permits have forced many refugees into low-paid and insecure jobs, while unemployment and insufficient income have made it increasingly difficult for families to afford housing and basic needs.

Some families have been forced to live in overcrowded rooms inside refugee camps or shared shelters, while limited humanitarian assistance has not been enough to cover their daily necessities.

The report highlighted the situation of a person with mobility problems who lives with four children in difficult conditions inside a shelter. Another camp resident said rising rents and living expenses had left many families unable to meet even their most basic needs.

Healthcare access remains a major concern

Palestinian refugees in Lebanon also face difficulties accessing healthcare services.

The report said that shortages of essential medicines, particularly those needed for chronic illnesses, have affected patients receiving care through UNRWA clinics.

Many patients are unable to access all laboratory and imaging services and are forced to cover some medical costs themselves.

The report noted that UNRWA covers only part of hospital expenses, leaving financially vulnerable families responsible for the remaining costs.

Long waiting times at clinics for medical examinations and medication were also listed among the concerns affecting refugees.

Children at risk of permanent educational exclusion

The report warned that residency problems, financial hardship and difficulties within the education system are increasing the risk of children becoming permanently disconnected from education.

Families unable to afford private lessons or additional educational support are struggling to help their children continue their studies.

A mother interviewed in the report said she could not send her children to school, afford private tutoring or provide sufficient educational support at home due to financial difficulties.

The Association of Palestinians Displaced from Syria to Lebanon called for easier residency procedures, protection of children's right to education and improved access to healthcare services.

The group warned that if current conditions continue, children in areas such as Shatila Camp face a growing risk of losing access to education, while poverty among displaced Palestinian families may deepen further.(ILKHA)