Repatriation explained: why Syrian refugees are voluntarily returning

For 14 years, millions of Syrians have lived away from their homes after being forced to flee war and violence. From those who have been forced to flee their homes but remain in the country as internally displaced persons (IDPs), to those forced to flee Syria entirely as refugees, there are millions of people longing to return home. 

No one chooses to leave their home unless it is no longer safe for themselves or their families. This was the difficult decision that many had to make at the beginning of the Syrian civil war. And now, more than a decade later, millions will make the challenging decision of whether or not to return. While there is renewed hope for a peaceful future in Syria, violence and instability continue to threaten that hope.

Here is what you need to know about voluntary returns, also known as repatriation, and how UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is supporting Syrians who choose to return.

1. What is voluntary return for refugees? 

Refugees are people who have been forced to flee their home countries due to war, violence or persecution. When there is no longer a threat to their lives, many refugees may choose to return to their homes. This is known as repatriation or voluntary return. 

The desire to return home is not uncommon for people who have been forced to flee. Many left behind their cherished homes, livelihoods, educational pursuits, friends and loved ones. For many, their lives were put on hold. In a January 2025 survey conducted by UNHCR of Syrian refugees, 80 percent expressed a desire to return home. 

2. Why are refugees returning to Syria? 

December 2024 marked the beginning of a new era for Syria after the fall of the Assad government. 

UNHCR estimates that more than 302,000 Syrian refugees have crossed the border back into Syria between December 2024 and March 2025, with many more arriving daily. In the same time frame, more than 885,000 IDPs have also returned to their homes. 

Shadia, a Syrian refugee who has lived in Lebanon for five years, expresses her desire to return home, but also her uncertainty about the future. Although Assad’s regime has fallen, conditions for returnees and what remains of their former homes remain uncertain. 

“We want to go back,” Shadia says. “The question is where.”

3. Is it safe to return to Syria?

Fourteen years of conflict and hostilities took its toll on Syria. Although the fall of Assad’s regime marks a hopeful new beginning for the country, there is still a long way to go before displaced Syrians may feel comfortable enough to return.

Although 80 percent of refugees express a desire to return home one day, only 27 percent have an immediate intention to return in the next 12 months. Many are waiting to see the impact of a new government, while others want to know if there is even a home left to return to. Sixty percent of Syrian refugees surveyed voiced an interest in doing a “go and see” visit to their former homes before making the decision to return.

No matter the decision, UNHCR maintains that repatriation is a fundamental right of refugees, and all returns must be voluntary, safe and dignified.

4. What are the biggest challenges faced by those who choose to return?

Housing is just one of the many concerns that refugees have when returning to their homes. Ibtihal and her family returned to their home in Syria in January 2025. They were forced to flee to Jordan in 2013 at the start of the civil war. When they returned, they found their home had been partially destroyed by shelling, with blown-out doors and windows, a damaged roof and no electricity or running water. All things considered, they are happy that their home is still standing and express optimism for the future.

In addition to housing, other challenges that Syrian returnees are facing include safety and security, economic and livelihood challenges, and the availability of basic resources. As the country rebuilds, access to electricity and running water will need to be restored, and those looking for livelihoods will need to find gainful employment. To meet these needs, UNHCR is stepping up operations within Syria to support voluntary returnees. 

5. What is UNHCR doing to support Syrian returnees? 

UNHCR protects a displaced person’s right to a safe and dignified voluntary return. UNHCR does not encourage or require that Syrians return to their homes, and works with the governments of neighboring countries to ensure Syrian refugees have the most up-to-date information about the situation. They also work to ensure that no displaced people are forced to return. 

Within Syria, UNHCR has stepped up operations to meet the needs of returnees. UNHCR-supported community centers are up and running around the country, where they receive returnees who are identified at UNHCR’s border crossing points. At these border crossing points, UNHCR can monitor movements of returnees, provide transportation support and identify the immediate needs of those returning. 

Around the country, UNHCR also continues to support shelter and home repairs for those returning. They also offer legal assistance to those who need it, and are implementing livelihood programs to help families begin rebuilding. 

How to help 

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency supports refugees who have been forced to flee violence, war and persecution. Our donors help refugees in their greatest time of need with shelter, food, water and medical care, and their support builds awareness about refugee issues around the globe. With your help, more refugees will have the opportunity to build peaceful lives and give their families a bright future.