Hello GitLab Team,
I hope you’re doing well. I’m writing on behalf of developers and users in Syria who are still experiencing restrictions when trying to access GitLab services.
Over the past months, U.S. Syria-related sanctions have been broadly lifted or terminated, including through Syria General License 25 and the Executive Order that ended the country-wide sanctions program in mid-2025, followed by OFAC’s final rule removing the Syrian Sanctions Regulations.
We understand GitLab must comply with U.S. trade controls and screen for any restricted parties or prohibited end-uses, and we fully support that.
Given these legal changes, we respectfully ask GitLab to:
- Reassess Syria’s status in GitLab’s restricted-countries/regions list.
- Restore normal access for Syrian users who are not on any restricted lists and are using GitLab for lawful software development and open-source collaboration.
- Publish a clear public update on GitLab’s position and timeline (if any) for removing remaining Syria-based access blocks.
GitLab is a key platform for learning, collaboration, and participation in global open-source projects. Restoring access would support education, innovation, and economic recovery for a large community of developers who depend on your tools.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I’m happy to provide any additional details needed to help your compliance and support teams review this request.
Sincerely,
Reda Kassoumeh