'Syrian Refugees Free to Return' Iraq's Ministry of Migration

the ministry's spokesperson explained that Syrians in Iraq are not forced to return to their country and are free to make the decision independently.

Syrian Kurds sit in a truck after crossing the Syrian-Turkish border at the southeastern town of Suruc in Sanliurfa province on Sept. 23, 2014. (Photo: AFP)
Syrian Kurds sit in a truck after crossing the Syrian-Turkish border at the southeastern town of Suruc in Sanliurfa province on Sept. 23, 2014. (Photo: AFP)

Jan. 25, 2025

ERBIL (Kurdistn24) – Iraq’s Ministry of Migration and Displaced announced on Saturday that Syrian displaced persons in Iraq, especially in the Kurdistan Region, are free to return to Syria following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

However, the ministry has not tracked the number of those who have returned, stressing the voluntary nature of their decision.

A Safe Haven for Syrians Since 2011

Ali Abbas, spokesperson for Iraq’s Ministry of Migration and Displaced, emphasized Iraq’s role in hosting Syrians since the outbreak of civil war in 2011.

“Syrians have been coming to Iraq, especially the Kurdistan Region, where they were welcomed, and camps were established for them in accordance with international agreements,” Abbas stated.

He noted that the Kurdistan Region has been a prime destination for Syrian displaced persons, providing refuge and humanitarian support during the crisis.

Freedom to Return Without Pressure

Abbas explained that Syrians in Iraq are not forced to return to their country and are free to make the decision independently.

“The Ministry of Migration and Displaced does not enforce requirements on their return, and they are under no obligation to inform the ministry if they choose to leave,” he added.

Despite the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, the ministry does not have official statistics on how many Syrians have returned to their homeland, as returns are voluntary and untracked.

Legal Classification of Syrians in Iraq

Under Iraqi law of 1971, Syrians in Iraq are classified as border displaced persons rather than refugees.

Abbas explained that the law’s second article describes displaced persons as those from neighboring countries who are affected by natural circumstances, civil war, or other causes.

Current Numbers in the Kurdistan Region

According to Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) statistics, approximately 260,000 Syrian displaced persons reside in camps and urban areas across the Kurdistan Region.

This makes the region one of the largest hosts of Syrian displaced persons in Iraq.

A Regional Perspective on Syrian Displacement

The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, has displaced over 5.5 million Syrians to neighboring countries, including Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt.

Among these, 850,000 Syrians have sought asylum in Germany, reflecting the global scale of the crisis.

While Iraq has provided considerable support to Syrians over the years, Abbas highlighted the voluntary nature of their stay and return.

This approach resonates with Iraq’s humanitarian commitments and international agreements while respecting the autonomy of displaced individuals.

As the situation in Syria evolves, Iraq’s Ministry of Migration and the Kurdistan Region will continue to play a vital role in hosting displaced Syrians and facilitating their return when they choose to do so.