Closing of non-registered Syrian commerce in the Bekaa

The campaign to close non-registered Syrian commerce in the Bekaa took off on August 31st after the elapse of the ultimatum given to their proprietors, starting with Bar Elias in the Caza of Zahleh which has recoded the highest number of such outfits (212 out of the total 377 according to the official survey).
“Nahar” newspaper noted that the decision is being met with various degrees of acceptance by those concerned.  Some have accepted the decision, whilst others have either left their shops or closed them prior to the visit by law enforcement.  Others have taken recourse with their Lebanese landlords, who presented themselves as the owners of the businesses, with the Syrian nationals being mere employees.  For its part, “Al-Akbar” spoke of the grievances of those concerned especially noting that the grace period given was particularly making it difficult to obtain an official certificate as well as the needed work permits.  To be notes that 57 businesses located in Bar Elias were closed during the first day of the campaign which will run for another 10 days (starting from 8:00 am  until 5:00 pm every day)  
Source: Al-Nahar, Al-Safir 2 September 2013