Early in the recent Iraq war, Iraqis in Syria were the politically threatened Baath party, including supporters of Hussein's government. But after the fighting began in Falluja in 2004, Shi'a were the main new entries to Syria. Before the restrictions were imposed, Iraqis seeking refuge in Syria received 3 month visas or permits with extension possibilities. However, the refugees are not entitled to work, but most do anyway due to lax enforcement on the part of the Syrian government. There were few sanctions for those who overstay and fail to renew.