How some Syrians are forging way to Europe

There are a growing number of forgers capitalising on refugees’ needs for civil documents such as birth certificates and passports. And they don’t come cheap, writes Tania Karas

Obaida, a 22-year-old refugee from an area of Syria controlled by Islamic State, said he tried hard to get a passport the legal way. In May, he paid his way to Istanbul from the border town in Turkey where he now lives. He spent five days waiting in line at the Syrian consulate. He was told to return in a year. That’s too long for the former chemistry student, who supports his family in Syria with cash he earns through odd jobs in Turkey, including at a non-profit.

He needed a passport — with a valid Turkish entry visa stamp — to apply for a residence permit that would give him opportunities beyond those afforded to anyone who registers as a refugee with the Turkish government.