Algeria Violates Refugee Convention by Imprisoning and Deporting Syrian Migrants
Algerian Authorities' Continued Disregard for International Refugee Protection Obligations Reflects Systematic Policy Targeting Syrian Migrants and Denying Basic Asylum and Protection Rights
December 12, 2024, 8:09 pm

Algeria Violates Refugee Convention by Imprisoning and Deporting Syrian Migrants

الجزائر

Shuaa organization received flood of complaints recent months from dozens of Syrian families regarding children and relatives' detention in Algerian prisons attempting European transit. Following Bashar al-Assad regime collapse in Syria, organization received continued calls from Syrian detainees' families inquiring about relatives' fate.

Algerian courts issued varying sentences, including four-year imprisonments for brothers "Mahmoud Juma Al-Jasem and Fadl Juma Al-Jasem," and brothers "Salim Ibrahim and Juma Ibrahim." Also brothers "Muhannad Qabbani and Mohammed Qabbani" imprisoned since March 2024, sentenced with eight other Syrians to one year prison and 100,000 Algerian dinar fine.

Most detained Syrian migrants distributed between "Messerghine" and "Gdyel" prisons in Oran province, facing various charges including illegal entry and residence, attempting irregular country departure, failing to report migrant smuggling, and felony migrant smuggling through organizing group departures, including minors.

Imposing visas on Syrians March 2015 fundamentally transformed migration landscape. Syrian refugees previously traveling easily from Beirut to Algeria now forced dangerous routes through West and East Africa reaching Tunisia and Algeria.

Algerian authorities adopted hostile approach toward Syrian migrants, violating international protection commitments through hundreds' detention and imprisonment, denying asylum rights and urgent humanitarian aid.

Shuaa organization documents include horrific detention and cruel treatment testimonies, documenting forced deportation cases and humanitarian aid denial.

May 25, 2024 saw border guards arrest 37 Syrian migrants, including woman, child, and elderly person, in Debdeb area near Libyan border. Authorities confiscated belongings before transfer to Ain Amenas.

Ain Amenas court heard case May 27, 2024, imposing suspended 30,000 Algerian dinar fine for illegal entry.

Detainees faced harsh detention center conditions, forced outdoor sleeping, suffering malnutrition, continuous insults, deportation threats.

Ordeal ended with forced deportation to Libyan border under inhumane conditions, abandoned in severe desert heat, some drinking urine surviving thirst.

Algerian authorities continue Syrian migrants' rights violations, ignoring international obligations and Universal Periodic Review third cycle recommendations.

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.