Tensions between Lebanon and UNHCR over Syrian refugees

Lebanon has long complained of the burden it carries; officials say the refugee crisis has cost the country more than $20bn.

Lebanese officials have been calling for refugees to return to areas in Syria that they deem safe.

And they say the UN refugee agency is trying to prevent that from happening, accusing the organisation of deliberately discouraging refugees from returning.

The UNHCR has refuted the accusations.

The caretaker foreign ministry has decided to suspend residency applications submitted by UNHCR staff as a first step against the organisation.

 

Al Jazeera’s Zeina Khodr has more from Beirut, Lebanon.