The lifestyle of Syrian refugees in France has not changed much after the spread of the Coronavirus.
“The refugees abide by instructions and decisions issued by French authorities,” Talal Mustafa, a refugee in the southwest-central city of Limoges, told Asharq Al-Awsat.
“What is important is that we enjoy access to the internet and around-the-clock electricity and satellite,” Mustafa added, saying that the true tragedy is when Syrian refugees contact their families back home to discover that they are living under dire circumstances.
Mustafa also talked about his six-year detention in Syria under the reign of Hafez Al-Assad and how it produced mental and health complications for him.
“Compared to that (his detention), there is no pain here in France. Our only problem is the delay in our appointments with eye and respiratory doctors which is not a real problem at all,” he added.
Mohsen, another Syrian refugee in France, said that life in Europe, especially France is exceptionally comfortable in terms of legal procedures and morality.
“Although some legal decisions take time, they are not tiring,” Mohsen said, adding that the morale for refugees is raised through cheap flights, camps and other means.
For Nasser, a Syrian refugee living near Paris, those truly affected by the virus spread are the undocumented immigrants who work hourly and in the black market.
Razan, a Syrian mother living now as a refugee in Limoges, is still haunted by the sounds of explosions and helicopter raids.
“What annoys me most is the memories of my home that was demolished in the countryside of Damascus, and what I cannot forget are "helicopters" and the sounds of bombing,” she said.
It is worth noting that many French officials have previously highlighted the need to secure adequate housing and services for all families in France.
