Speaking at the United Nations, UAE Assistant Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Ahmed Al Jarman, revealed that the GCC has received 2.8 million Syrians since the start of Syria's civil war in 2011.
According to The National, Al Jarman told U.N. delegates that GCC countries were "careful" about not treating Syrians as refugees by offering them more legal concessions that would allow them access to basic welfare and job opportunities.
“Since the onset of the crisis in 2011, the UAE has welcomed more than 250,000 Syrian nationals, who enjoy full rights to free health care, education and work in accordance with the residency system in the country,” he said, according to state news agency WAM .
He also noted that the UAE has contributed more than $600 million in "humanitarian and development" aid to Syrians in refugee camps in the region, including the Mrajeeb Al Fhood camp in Jordan.
Al Jarman also cautioned that dealing with the refugee crisis should address the causes, such as "poverty, conflicts, extremist violence by committing to enhancing international cooperation for development, resolving conflicts through peaceful means and promoting values of tolerance, moderation and respect for sovereignty."
To date, more than 4 million Syrians have sought refuge in nearby countries Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkey, and an escalating number has decided to cross the treacherous Mediterranean sea by boat to seek asylum in Europe.