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Turkey to end visa-free entry for Syrians from third country

Xinhua, December 30, 2015 Adjust font size:

Turkey will require visa from Syrian citizens arriving from third countries, hoping to address illegal migration, the Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

The arrangement will take effect as of Jan. 8, 2016, for Syrians arriving in Turkey by sea or air, the ministry said.

The new regulation aims to tackle illegal migration and only applies to Syrians arriving from countries other than Syria.

"Turkey will continue its open door policy for Syrians entering land borders as part of humanitarian consideration would not ask visa," the ministry said.

A deal between Turkey and Syria in 2009 allowed visa-free entry to citizens of both countries, but ties between Ankara and Damascus have deteriorated since the Syria crisis erupted and Turkey stepped up to prevent illegal crossings of Syrians arriving from third countries.

The move came as the European Union and Turkey reached a deal in November to stem the refugee flow from Europe. Endit