BEIRUT, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's General Security on Monday arrested 20 Syrian refugees in Western Bekaa for illegally entering Lebanon from Syria, the National News Agency reported.

The arrested people were referred to Bayader al-Adas police station in Western Bekaa for further investigations and legal procedures.

There are many reasons that could drive Syrians to Lebanon, including seeking education and attending an interview by European embassies.

In 2015, however, the Lebanese government has barred the UN refugee agency from registering Syrian refugees or placed additional restrictions on their entry into the country without guarantors, work visas or visas for transit.

Such measures led to a rise in the number of Syrian refugees attempting to enter Lebanon illegally.

As a result, security forces have been trying to crack down on smuggling in areas close to the border with Syria.