Hasaka Civil Affairs: “Arab Syrian” Label Attributed to Individual Error, Reaffirms Respect for Kurdish Identity

Welat TV – Erbil

The Director of Civil Affairs in Hasaka, Aziz al-Muhaimid, confirmed that the circulating of the “Arab Syrian” designation in citizenship application forms is the result of individual errors committed by some applicants while completing the forms, and does not reflect any official orientation by the relevant authorities.

In a statement issued on Monday, April 13, al-Muhaimid explained that the adopted instructions stipulate writing “Syrian” only in the nationality field, stressing that the competent authorities adhere strictly to this formula without any additions.

He renewed his affirmation of respect for Kurdish identity as an integral part of the national fabric, noting that the concerned bodies are working to provide the necessary facilitation to enable Kurdish citizens to obtain citizenship in accordance with legal frameworks.

He also welcomed the issuance of Decree No. 13 concerning the granting of citizenship, describing it as a fair step, and underscored the government’s commitment to closing the file of the “Maktoumeen” (unregistered Kurds) and addressing its repercussions.

In the same context, activists circulated on social media images of forms designated for Kurdish applicants seeking naturalization, showing the inclusion of the term “Arab Syrian” in the nationality field, which sparked controversy and raised questions about the possible imposition of ethnic descriptors on applicants.