Over 500,000 Syrians Return to Syria Since Assad's Fall, Türkiye Says

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya has revealed that more than 509,000 Syrian nationals have returned to Syria voluntarily since 8 December 2024, when the Assad regime fell, according to his public announcement.

He described these returns as “safe, voluntary, dignified and orderly,” reaffirming Ankara’s commitment to facilitating the repatriation process.

Yerlikaya also stated that since 2016, the number of Syrians who have voluntarily gone back home has crossed 1.24 million.

This long-term figure reflects years of gradual repatriation under Türkiye’s return initiatives.

According to data shared by the Interior Ministry, key border crossings have been actively used for these returns, including the Cilvegözü gate in Hatay, Öncüpınar in Kilis, and others in Gaziantep and Şanlıurfa.

Between December 2024 and April 2025 alone, over 175,000 Syrians left Türkiye for their homeland.

These mass returns come amid a reported drop in the Syrian refugee population within Türkiye: Yerlikaya stated that as of August 2025, there are around 2.5 million Syrians under temporary protection — down from a peak of 3.5 million in earlier years.

The UNHCR (United Nations Refugee Agency) is closely monitoring the situation. In its March 2025 “Regional Flash Update,” the agency noted that processing of voluntary returns is ongoing at several border points.

However, the UN report also highlights a continued need for safe and sustainable conditions in Syria in order to support large-scale returns.

While Turkish authorities emphasize the orderly nature of the repatriation effort, some returnees have expressed disappointment. According to a Reuters investigation, at least some of those who returned now face challenges such as water and electricity shortages and damaged homes — raising concerns about the sustainability of the returns.