New Restrictions Reported on Property Transactions of Shiite, Alawite Syrians

DID Press: Reports emerging from Syria indicate that new restrictions have affected the buying, selling and mortgaging of properties owned by Shiite citizens and some retired Alawite military personnel.

According to the reports, regulations and administrative procedures related to obtaining a “no-objection certificate” have become a major obstacle to property transfers involving Shiite citizens and certain retired Alawite officers.

Relevant departments within Syria’s Ministry of Finance have reportedly declined to approve some powers of attorney and property transactions involving Shiite citizens.

The restrictions have reportedly complicated the purchase, sale and mortgaging of properties in several areas. In Shiite-majority villages around Homs, as well as among residents of al-Fu’ah and Kafriya, delays and suspensions of transactions have reportedly contributed to a slowdown in the property market and raised concerns about the potential demographic consequences of the measures.

Similar restrictions have also reportedly been imposed on some retired Alawite officers and military personnel. Residents of Alawite-majority areas have called for greater transparency regarding the criteria used to impose such restrictions and for the relevant regulations to be officially published.

Meanwhile, reports have emerged of brokers allegedly exploiting the situation and demanding large sums of money to facilitate certain transactions. In some cases, alleged bribes have reportedly reached as much as $10,000.