Number of Syrian refugees returning home from Turkey increases as government eases restrictions
According to official statistics, 40,000 Syrian refugees have already returned to Syria from Turkey.
Jan. 6, 2025
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - The number of Syrian refugees leaving Turkey to return to their homeland has seen a considerable uptick, with Turkey's Interior Minister revealing that returns are expected to accelerate during school closures and official holidays.
Turkey currently hosts 2.9 million Syrian refugees, and the rate of return has increased following the simplification of return procedures.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated, "The years-long longing of the Syrian people has ended. Voluntary returns have increased, and we carefully observe developments in neighboring Syria. We have applied all essential measures to guarantee our Syrian brothers can return to their country willingly and with dignity."
According to official statistics, 40,000 Syrian refugees have already returned to Syria from Turkey.
Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat explained that "As per the Interior Minister's statement, nearly 40,000 Syrian refugees have returned. Refugees want to evaluate the condition of their properties in Syria. Returns are expected to accelerate in the coming weeks and months. The Ministry of Trade is simplifying the process through a circular that allows Syrian refugees to transport their belongings, money, and vehicles back to Syria through efficient procedures."
Turkey and Syria share a 910-kilometer border with eight border crossings.
Under current rules, Syrian family heads are allowed three round trips between Turkey and Syria before making their final return.
This permission period extends from January 1 to July 1.
