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IMPACT – MEDIUM
What is the change? Countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council have warned their citizens against traveling to Lebanon, and are deporting some Lebanese nationals, particularly Shiite Muslims.
What does the change mean? Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have urged their citizens not to travel to Lebanon except in emergencies. Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have begun deporting some Lebanese nationals.
Background: Political tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran worsened at the beginning of the year when Saudi Arabia executed a well-known Shiite leader, and protesters in Iran responded by setting fire to the Saudi Embassy in Tehran. The countries severed diplomatic ties in January.
In February, when Lebanon did not join a resolution condemning the embassy attack, Saudi Arabia canceled $4 billion in military aid to Lebanon. GCC countries have supported their co-member, Saudi Arabia, in the dispute. The United Arab Emirates also reduced its diplomatic staff in Beirut. The GCC comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
BAL Analysis: GCC nationals and Lebanese nationals should be aware of the political tensions and anticipate difficulties in traveling between respective countries.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Lebanon. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
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