ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Syrian authorities have waived entry and exit fees for travelers at the Semalka border crossing with the Kurdistan Region after bringing it under central government control, as implementation of a January agreement between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) continues.
Mazen Aloush, Director of Public Relations at Syria’s General Authority for Border Crossings and Customs, told Rudaw’s Nalin Hassan on Friday that the decision follows the transfer of the crossing to Damascus’ authority and is part of a broader plan to standardize procedures nationwide.
Aloush stressed that the move does not alter the crossing’s legal status.
"This does not mean it has changed into an international crossing. It simply means it has been integrated into the Authority’s work system to unify procedures and organize operations according to the framework followed at all crossings in the Syrian Arab Republic,” he said.
The landmark January 29 deal, brokered with significant US mediation following a period of military escalation earlier this year, saw Syrian government forces and allied groups seize territory across eastern Aleppo, Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor, and the predominantly Kurdish province of Hasaka. It includes provisions to transfer key infrastructure - including the Semalka crossing - to central government control.
Aloush confirmed that a new administration has been appointed and now oversees operations at the crossing, employing around 200 staff.