2M Syrians expected to return as Türkiye outlines roadmap for repatriation

Syrian refugees passe the Cilvegozu crossborder gate to enter Syria at Reyhanli district in Hatay, Türkiye on December 9, 2024. (AFP Photo)

Türkiye is preparing a comprehensive roadmap for the voluntary repatriation of 2 million Syrians under temporary protection status.

The plan, initiated by government ministries and agencies, aligns with improved security in Syria and involves a phased timeline for the return process.

With the stabilization of governance and security in Syria, Türkiye expects a significant increase in returns, particularly in the spring months, according to officials from the ruling AK Party.

Syrian refugees who lives in Turkey wait in a queue at Cilvegozu crossborder gate before entering Syria at Reyhanli district in Hatay, on December 9,2024. - Islamist-led rebels declared on December 8, 2024, that they have taken the Syrian capital in a lightning offensive, sending President Bashar al-Assad fleeing and ending five decades of Baath rule in Syria. (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP)A Turkish soldier checks documents as Syrian refugees who lives in Turkey wait at Cilvegozu crossborder gate before entering in Syria at Reyhanli distict in Hatay, on December 9, 2024. - Islamist-led rebels declared on December 8, 2024, that they have taken the Syrian capital in a lightning offensive, sending President Bashar al-Assad fleeing and ending five decades of Baath rule in Syria. (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP)Syrian refugees who lives in Turkey wait in a queue at Cilvegozu crossborder gate before entering Syria at Reyhanli district in Hatay, on December 9,2024. - Islamist-led rebels declared on December 8, 2024, that they have taken the Syrian capital in a lightning offensive, sending President Bashar al-Assad fleeing and ending five decades of Baath rule in Syria. (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP)Syrian refugees who lives in Turkey wait in a queue at Cilvegozu crossborder gate before entering Syria at Reyhanli district in Hatay, on December 9, 2024. - Islamist-led rebels declared on December 8, 2024, that they have taken the Syrian capital in a lightning offensive, sending President Bashar al-Assad fleeing and ending five decades of Baath rule in Syria. (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP)

Key steps in repatriation roadmap

Authorities aim to ensure that returns comply with international and domestic legal standards, emphasizing voluntariness and safety.

Key components of the roadmap include:

Phased timeline: Ministries and agencies will coordinate returns under a structured schedule.
Security guarantees: Returns will accelerate as safety in Syria improves.
Legal compliance: Syrian nationals cannot be forced to return unless there is no risk of persecution, consistent with international law and Türkiye's domestic regulations.
Property restitution: Efforts will be made to restore repatriated Syrians' properties through collaboration with Syrian authorities and the establishment of joint commissions.

Syrians who sought refuge in Türkiye wait in a queue at Cilvegozu crossborder gate before entering Syria at Reyhanli district in Hatay, on Dec. 9, 2024. (AFP Photo)

Changes to legal status in Türkiye

Syrians returning voluntarily will lose their temporary protection status in Türkiye. Those remaining may be granted alternative statuses, such as residency or work permits.

AK Party officials explained, "The transitional government in Syria will collaborate with Türkiye on repatriation efforts. The process will not involve mass returns initially but will focus on building the necessary infrastructure for sustainable repatriation."

On-the-ground experiences

Syrians returning to their homeland expressed gratitude for Türkiye's support during the conflict.

Afad Saban, preparing to cross the border, said, "We thank Türkiye for their assistance. The war is over, and it’s time to return home."

Another returnee, Basir al-Hamadi, who is going back after 12 years, shared his relief: "We are finally reuniting with our land, country, and family. We have waited for this moment for so long."

While the timeline for the full repatriation of the expected 2 million Syrians remains uncertain, Türkiye is prioritizing these efforts as part of its long-term plan to address the refugee situation.

December 11, 2024 10:12 AM GMT+03:00