Action Group – Lebanon
The Lebanese Prime Minister’s Office issued a new decision allowing Palestine refugee students from Syria in Lebanon to sit for official examinations for the year 2025, even if they lack proof of residency.
According to a statement issued by UNRWA, Ministerial Decision No. 21, issued on May 14, 2025, allows all students, including Palestine refugees from Syria, to sit for the official baccalaureate examinations (grade 12) in all four branches, provided they submit official documents certified by their schools proving their continued enrollment, even if they lack residency documents.
The statement clarified that the exam results will be announced after the students have completed the required residency documents. UNRWA affirmed its continued efforts to advocate for the timely issuance of official certificates and to ensure that students are able to enjoy their right to education without hindrance.
The agency also stressed its commitment to following up on the case of students wishing to take official vocational and technical education exams, and to working with all relevant authorities to ensure that no Palestine refugee student from Syria drops out of school. It is worth noting that this decision represents a positive step toward protecting the right to education for a group of students suffering from precarious legal and living conditions in Lebanon.