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Recent developments in Syria inspire thousands of refugees to return home
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Mr Filippo Grandi visited Türkiye to discuss how best to support Syrian refugees who are voluntarily returning home.
Highlights
With the recent political developments in Syria leading to a cautious sense of improved security, some refugees aspire to return home and join their friends and families. Since the fall of the regime in Syria on 8 December, some 81,576 people have reportedly voluntarily returned to Syria from Türkiye, which continues to host over 3 million people in need of international protection, including 2.87 million Syrians.
The Government of Türkiye has taken special measures for authorized temporary Go and See visits to Syria for an initial period of 6 months, until the end of June 2025. Temporary visits will facilitate informed decisions regarding return to Syria and help concerned individuals prepare the ground for final returns.
Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, reaffirmed UNHCR’s commitment to supporting Türkiye, home to one of the world’s largest refugee populations, as he concluded a two-day visit to the country. On 28 January, the High Commissioner paid a courtesy visit to the Vice President Mr. Cevdet Yılmaz and met with the Minister of Interior, Mr. Ali Yerlikaya and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Burhanettin Duran. He also briefed the diplomatic community and UNCT and hosted a press conference. (Press Release).