Türkiye Implements New Measures for Syrian Refugee Return
In a significant policy shift, Türkiye has announced new measures aimed at facilitating the voluntary return of Syrian refugees to their homeland following the recent fall of the Assad regime. Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya revealed that Syrians wishing to return can now take their belongings and vehicles with them, streamlining the repatriation process.
Minister Yerlikaya emphasized that the Turkish government is committed to supporting the returnees. He stated that individuals can submit their return requests via the Immigration Department's website, with appointments available on the same day. Furthermore, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has authorized one family member from each household to travel to Syria and return up to three times between January and July 2025. This initiative aims to ease the transition for families as they navigate their return.
Increased Returnees and Humanitarian Efforts
The announcement comes as border crossings between Türkiye and Syria see a surge in returnees, with over 25,000 Syrians returning in just the last 15 days. Since 2017, the total number of returnees has reached approximately 763,000, while around 2.9 million Syrians remain under temporary protection in Türkiye. To further assist in this process, Türkiye plans to establish an immigration office at its embassy in Damascus and its consulate in Aleppo, enhancing support for returning refugees.
In addition to facilitating returns, Türkiye has also ramped up its humanitarian efforts, sending 316 trucks loaded with flour and other food aid to Syria in recent days. This assistance is crucial as the country grapples with the aftermath of conflict and the challenges of reintegration for returnees.
Concerns Over Large-Scale Returns
While the Turkish government is optimistic about the potential for one million Syrian refugees to return in the first half of 2025, concerns have been raised regarding the implications of such a large-scale repatriation. Amy Pope, director of the International Organization for Migration, cautioned that the return of significant numbers of refugees could strain resources and exacerbate tensions in an already fragile Syria. As the situation evolves, the international community will be closely monitoring the developments surrounding the return of Syrian refugees and the stability of the region.
