Introduction

The situation for Syrian refugees following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad is complex, with mixed sentiments about returning to Syria. While many refugees express a desire to return, several factors are influencing their decisions.

Desire to Return

Many Syrian refugees have expressed hope and excitement about the possibility of returning to their homeland:

A survey by the UN Refugee Agency in June 2024 showed that 57 percent of refugees in Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt still wanted to go back to Syria.

Thousands of Syrians in Lebanon and Turkey rushed back to Syria immediately after Assad’s fall.

Some refugees view Assad’s removal as the main obstacle to their return and are eager to help rebuild their country.

Factors Preventing or Delaying Return

Despite the desire to return, several significant challenges are stopping or delaying many refugees from going back to Syria:

Safety and Security Concerns

Ongoing violence and instability in parts of Syria.

Fear of arbitrary detention, torture, and forced conscription, even with Assad gone.

Economic and Infrastructure Issues

Lack of jobs and basic services in Syria.

Plummeting value of the local currency and scarcity of substitute currencies.

90% of the population relies on some form of humanitarian aid.

Housing and Property Challenges

Many refugees lack homes to return to due to destruction or occupation.

Missing documentation to prove property ownership.

Legal and Administrative Hurdles

Missing legal documents and records.

Unresolved legal and financial matters in host countries.

Uncertainty about Governance

Lack of clarity on who will govern the nation and how.

Absence of an internationally recognized government in Damascus.

Cautious Approach

Many refugees are adopting a “wait and see” approach:

They want to observe how the situation unfolds in the coming months before making a decision.

UNHCR emphasizes that refugees must be able to make informed decisions without undue pressure.

Experts predict a gradual return over time, contingent on adequate preparations and improved conditions in Syria.

Conclusion

There is a strong desire among many Syrian refugees to return home following Assad’s ouster, numerous challenges and uncertainties are preventing or delaying their immediate return. The decision to repatriate is complex and depends on individual circumstances, the evolving situation in Syria, and the conditions in their current host countries.