The United States has informed Syria’s mission to the United Nations (UN) in New York of a change in the visa classification for its members, a move that underscores Washington’s continued refusal to recognize any entity as Syria’s legitimate government.

A U.S. State Department spokesperson told Rudaw on Thursday that the decision was based on current U.S. recognition policy, stating, “The United States currently does not recognize any entity as the government of Syria.” The spokesperson clarified that visa classifications are partly determined by this policy, calling the adjustment an “administrative decision.”

Visa Status Downgraded from G1 to G3

The U.S. recently changed the visa status of Syrian mission members from G1 (reserved for diplomats representing a recognized government) to G3 (granted to representatives of governments not recognized by the U.S.). However, the State Department emphasized that the change “does not affect the privileges or immunities” of accredited Syrian diplomats at the UN.

Syria Downplays Move as "Technical" Procedure

Syria’s state-run news agency, SANA, quoted a foreign ministry source on Monday dismissing the visa modification as a “purely technical and administrative procedure” that does not signify any shift in U.S. policy toward Damascus. The source added that Syria is in talks with “relevant authorities” to resolve the matter and prevent “misunderstandings.”

The source also revealed that Damascus is conducting a “comprehensive review” of its diplomatic missions abroad, with “serious decisions” on restructuring expected soon.

U.S. Unmoved by New Syrian Cabinet

The visa change follows the formation of a new Syrian cabinet in late March, led by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, which held its first official meeting this week. However, the inclusion of figures like Interior Minister Anas Khattab—reportedly linked to extremist groups and blacklisted by the UN and U.S.—has drawn criticism.

Tammy Bruce, a State Department spokesperson, told Rudaw on Tuesday that the new cabinet falls short of U.S. expectations on inclusivity. “There's much more that has to be done… We're waiting to see them take more action,” she said.

Ongoing Concerns Over Human Rights and Transitional Government

Beyond the cabinet’s composition, the U.S. remains critical of Syria’s human rights record and has repeatedly called for a credible transitional government. Washington’s latest visa decision reinforces its stance that it does not consider the Damascus administration legitimate.

The development highlights the continued diplomatic friction between the U.S. and Syria, even as Damascus seeks to reassert its international standing.