Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates launched an online portal titled Missing Person/Detainee Report to document cases of missing persons and detainees outside the country. The platform allows relatives or legal representatives to submit reports directly through the ministry’s official MOFA SY mobile application.
Muhammad al-Omar, director of the Consular Affairs Department, said in a statement posted on his official Facebook page the portal functions as an integrated digital system. Users can enter detailed information about each case, creating a centralized record accessible to relevant authorities. He described the tool as a secure channel designed to protect confidentiality while improving the accuracy of information.
Centralized System for Case Follow-Up
According to Omar, submissions are collected in a central database managed by specialized teams within the ministry. These teams review and analyze each case based on professional standards, then develop follow-up procedures tailored to the circumstances.
The process includes contacting host countries through official diplomatic channels to inquire about detainees’ status and explore legal pathways for their release. The system also supports coordination with relevant authorities, including the National Commission for Missing Persons (NCMP), to track and investigate missing persons cases.
Officials say the platform aims to streamline communication and improve coordination between institutions handling these cases. By organizing data in a single system, the ministry seeks to ensure more consistent and effective follow-up.
Toward a Structured National Approach
Omar said the portal represents a shift from handling cases individually to a more structured institutional framework. In the past, many cases relied on fragmented efforts by families or informal networks. The new system focuses on systematic documentation and analysis to support decision-making.
The platform is designed to classify cases and assess their legal and humanitarian dimensions. This approach allows the ministry to respond through official channels while considering the specific details of each case. Officials say this structure could improve the ability to track developments and provide updates to families.
The ministry described the initiative as part of a broader effort addressing humanitarian concerns affecting Syrians abroad. It aims to clarify the fate of missing persons, address the conditions of detainees and reduce uncertainty for families.
Part of Broader Digital Services Rollout
The portal operates within the MOFA SY application, which the ministry previously launched as part of its digital services expansion. The app became available globally after an initial trial phase introduced through the Syrian Embassy in Beirut on Nov. 13, 2025.
According to the ministry, the application provides Syrian citizens and expatriates with access to a range of consular services through their smartphones. Officials say the addition of the missing persons portal reflects ongoing efforts to modernize service delivery and improve access for users worldwide.
