Beirut/Ankara/Amman- Millions of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan are waiting for stable security, political and economic conditions in their countries following the overthrow of the regime of deposed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to determine their position on whether or not to return to their country of origin. , after a refugee journey that lasted 13 years.
Since the outbreak of conflict in Syria in 2011, millions of Syrians have been forced to leave their homes and seek refuge in neighboring countries and countries around the world. Today, the country’s political and security landscape is gradually evolving. The return of refugees has become an issue at the forefront of regional and international discussions.
Al Jazeera Net highlights the issue of the return of Syrian refugees from neighboring countries, explains its motivations and answers the questions: are appropriate conditions available for them to settle and live with dignity in their country of origin? What are the challenges they face in rebuilding their lives in a complex context?
Lebanon…laws and regulations
In Lebanon, a source from the Lebanese General Security told Al Jazeera Net that any Syrian is allowed to leave Lebanon for his country without conditions, except for those who obtain a work permit in accordance with approvals from the Ministry of Labor , and these must obtain authorization from the ministry.
The source, who requested anonymity, indicates that – between November 30 and December 26 – 46,932 Syrians left for their country by land.
On the other hand, the outgoing Minister of Interior and Municipalities, Bassam Mawlawi, announced – during a press conference following a meeting of the Central Internal Security Council responsible for monitoring the conditions and procedures security measures taken at border crossings – the issuance of strict sanctions. instructions to prevent random entry into Lebanon.
Mawlawi confirmed that entry into Lebanese territory will only be allowed to those who hold legal residence or a foreign passport and foreign residence. He also indicated the possibility of entering Lebanon as a transit destination, provided that a confirmed travel card is presented.
For his part, Muhammad Shams al-Din, researcher at Information International, a Lebanese company specializing in scientific studies, research and statistics, highlighted – in an interview with Al Jazeera Net – the absence of precise or official statistics on the number of Syrians reside in Lebanon, but its estimates indicate that their number is around one million and seven hundred thousand.
The researcher added that during the Israeli war against Lebanon, around 420,000 Syrians returned to their country, leading to a decrease in their numbers to around 1,300,000.
He continued: “After the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime, there was no mass return of Syrians to their country. The affair was rather limited to the return of certain young men opposed to the regime or fleeing military service. »
While UNHCR figures show the return of 300,000 Syrians displaced from Lebanon to their country after the fall of the Assad regime.
Türkiye… voluntary return
In Türkiye, the voluntary return of Syrians has become open to all, with more simplified steps and procedures that are becoming easier day by day.
According to the official procedures announced, voluntary return is possible for Syrians residing in Turkey who benefit from temporary protection or for those legally residing in Turkey, with special facilities provided for transporting their belongings and vehicles. As for non-Syrians, their entry is limited to service, relief and media institutions, provided they obtain prior approval from official authorities in Turkey.
These restrictions come in light of increasing pressure at border crossings, with emphasis on meeting the needs of returning Syrians and ensuring a smooth process for them.
In this context, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan gave instructions authorizing one person from each Syrian family to travel to Syria and return 3 times, between January and July 2025, with the aim of facilitating the modalities of the return of his family. .
The Interior Ministry also announced a series of measures to encourage voluntary return, including allowing Syrians to transfer all their property and vehicles to Syria, while facilitating transactions via an electronic platform for submitting applications and make an appointment the same day, with the aim of ensuring a smooth transition for returnees.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya indicated that more than 25,000 Syrians returned to their country over the past 15 days, bringing the number of returnees since 2017 to 763,000, explaining that there are currently 2, 9 million Syrians under temporary protection in Turkey.
To strengthen these efforts, the capacity of border crossings with Syria, such as those of Bab al-Hawa, Kassab, Bab al-Salama and Afrin, has been increased to accommodate a greater number of people each day, accelerating the rate of voluntary returns.
In a related context, the Ministry of Commerce issued a circular authorizing the use of the “facilitated exit form” to avoid any procedural complications, while providing facilities for the transfer of registered Syrian goods and vehicles. The Syrian consulate in Istanbul announced the start of granting exceptional transport tickets to Syrians who do not have a passport or whose passport has expired.
At the diplomatic level, an Immigration Management Office was established at the Turkish Embassy in Damascus and the Consulate in Aleppo, to provide administrative and logistical support to returnees. The Turkish government is also working – in cooperation with international and local bodies – to. stabilize security zones in northern Syria to ensure an environment conducive to welcoming returning refugees.
Jordan… anticipation and stability
In Jordan, with the exception of a limited number not exceeding 8,000 people, according to official Jordanian estimates, the majority of Syrian refugees in the Kingdom, whose number is estimated at around 1.3 million Syrians, are hesitant still between a quick return or staying for an additional period, especially since they are not under any pressure, this forces them to return, according to Syrian refugee Tariq Al-Zoubi.
Al-Zoubi (37) confirmed that the question of his and his family’s return is due to various reasons, the most important being their children’s connection with the school, and they are currently in the process of presenting the final exams for graduation. first semester.
He added on Al Jazeera Net that the evolving situation in the country requires time for the Syrian refugee to be able to determine his position regarding his return or stay in Jordan “for fear of unexpected surprises which would have consequences unhappy.”
He stressed that all Syrian refugees in various countries around the world are eager to return after the fall of the Assad regime, but they need to be reassured about the stability of the situation and to know the fate of their houses and their lands that have been destroyed or destroyed. seized, most of which are no longer habitable or habitable.
The Syrian Embassy in Amman has facilitated the return of its citizens to their country by providing the service of issuing a free transport ticket. Its validity period is one month from the date of issue and it is not subject to renewal.
Motivate the return
Jordanian Interior Minister Mazen Al-Faraya had ordered that Jordanian investors with a business background and capital of at least 50,000 dinars ($70,500) be allowed to use the Jaber-Nasib border crossing between the two countries to go to Syria.
The decision included allowing the travel of Jordanian employees of commercial banks operating in Syria and allowing the departure of Jordanian businessmen holding membership cards of the Syrian Chambers of Industry and Commerce, as well as students Jordanians studying at Syrian universities, provided they have the necessary documents. academic documents. The Ministry of the Interior also authorized official Jordanian delegations – particularly… economic – to go to Syria.
Syrian investors and their families, who hold Jordanian business records with capital of at least 50,000 dinars, were also allowed to enter and exit through this border post, and Syrians with Jordanian citizenship, whether they are holders of a Jordanian or Syrian passport, were allowed to enter and exit through this border post. authorized to use this passage for travel purposes.
It is worth noting that the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, called for patience and said in a press release: “There is a great opportunity for Syria to move towards peace and to his people to begin returning to their country. However, while the situation remains ambiguous, millions of refugees wonder whether “it is possible to return home safely, some are impatient and others are hesitant.”