Expats Advised To Leave Syria

As political tensions turn increasingly violent, the Embassies of several countries in Syria have advised their citizens to leave.

London, UK (Pryce Warner International) June 30th, 2011 – The embassies of the UK, France and Germany have advised their citizens to leave Syria as they cannot guarantee that they will be safely evacuated in the event of further political breakdowns. They are being advised to take commercial flights while they are still available.

A spokesman from the British foreign and common wealth office commented: “British nationals should leave now by commercial means whilst these are still operating. Those who choose to remain in Syria, or to visit against our advice should be aware that it is highly unlikely that the British Embassy in Damascus would be able to provide a normal consular service in the event of a further breakdown in law and order and increased violent civil disorder. Evacuation options would be limited because of likely communication and travel restrictions.”

He went on to say that British Expats in Syria should carefully follow the developments in the political situation and form any necessary contingency plans. He also reiterated that the embassy cannot guarantee their safety in the event of a breakdown and therefore need to take responsibility for their security and leave as soon as possible. The British embassy in Syria is also strongly advising against any travel to Syria.

In the event that individuals do decide to leave, officials are warning that many of the major road networks may be blocked due to disturbances or demonstrations, and therefore people need to very carefully plan their exit. Several major highways including Tartous-Latakia, Tartous-Homs, Latakia-Aleppo, Homs-Hama, Homs-Damascus and Damascus-Jordan have been temporarily closed because of demonstrations or disturbances.

The border crossing to Jordan has already been closed by disturbances and anyone planning traveling by road should ensure that they check the status of their intended border before doing so. Embassy officials strongly advise against individuals attempting to cross into Lebanon or Iraq and that their remains the risk of terrorist attacks. As these are often held in public places, officials are advising that Expats avoid public gatherings and demonstrations of any kind as they all have the potential to become violent. They are also advising that Expats keep their passports with them as a form of identification.

David Harra, a Senior Market & Investment Analyst with Pryce Warner International, a Financial Services Company for Expats commented: “Any Expats in Syria will need to ensure that they follow the advice of the foreign office and leave as soon as possible. With the political status in a state of flux and border crossings unreliable at best, commercial flights out of the country are strongly advisable. It is a great tragedy to have to suddenly uproot yourself for such reasons but in this case it seems almost unavoidable.”

Pryce Warner International Group provide International Asset & Investment Management, Independent Financial Advice & QROPS Overseas Pensions.

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By: Aneil Fatania
Financial Editor
Pryce Warner International Group
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