The United Nations Higher Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has issued a decision to start processing registration and Refugee Status Determination (RSD) in only one interview starting March 2017. The measure will save asylum seekers significant time and will help them obtain blue cards confirming their status as refugees swiftly. The new measure will gradually include applicants from all nationalities approaching UNHCR for new registration, except Syrians. The first phase will include applicants mainly from South Sudan, Somalia, and Iraq. On the exclusion of Syrian refugees from the new measure, Syrian Refugee Alaa Al-Kordi, who is currently residing in Egypt, told Egyptian Streets that according to international law, Syrians are an emergency case. Upon their arrival in Egypt, they are granted a yellow card. However, they are considered as blue card holders due to the current situation in Syria without having to obtain it. Al-Kordi added that the decision of the UNHCR, although it will accelerate the process, was implemented quickly, giving no space for asylum seekers to prepare for their interviews. “Prior to the interview of RSD, asylum seekers take several sessions in order to be prepared and make sure they…
