Syrian refugees return to their homeland in large numbers following the end of Assad's rule, with over 410,000 Syrians making their way back from Turkey.
Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2024, over 410,000 Syrians have voluntarily returned from Turkey to Syria, according to the Turkish Interior Ministry and the Directorate General of Migration Management.
The return process has accelerated significantly since mid-2025, with approximately 140,000 returns recorded since June alone. This movement is part of a larger trend, with over 1.15 million Syrians voluntarily returning to their country since 2016.
The voluntary return is organised in a structured manner, including registration, transportation, and reception of returnees, to ensure a safe and dignified procedure. Turkey reopened border crossings with Syria early after Assad’s fall, facilitating movement, and began passport-controlled border gates to regulate and normalize travel.
Initiatives like the “pioneer migrants” program allow families to send one member back to assess conditions before permanent return. Turkey coordinates with Syria’s transitional administration and has committed to assisting reconstruction and refugee resettlement processes.
Filippo Grandi, head of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), reported that some 600,000 Syrians have returned from neighbouring countries, including Turkey, framing this return flow as a hopeful sign amid continued regional tensions. UNHCR emphasises that returns should be voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable, highlighting the need for political solutions to prevent renewed displacement.
Syrians depart from various land border crossings in Hatay's Cilvegözü, Yayladağı, Zeytindalı, Kilis' Öncüpınar, Çobanbey, Gaziantep's Karkamış, and Şanlıurfa's Akçakale districts. Syrians who wish to return voluntarily can schedule an appointment through the website "randevu.goc.gov.tr."
While some instability and outbreaks of violence in Syria remain concerns, the return movement from Turkey is steadily growing under organised monitoring and international observation, primarily by UNHCR. Turkey’s approach combines border management, registration, transportation logistics, and cooperation with Syria’s new authorities to manage this large-scale voluntary repatriation.
In summary, the voluntary return of Syrians from Turkey is a large-scale, coordinated process monitored by the Turkish government and UNHCR, involving over 410,000 returnees since Bashar al-Assad's fall, with continued efforts to ensure safety and dignity.
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