Between hope and challenges Two Million Syrian Refugees intend to return home

A number of Syrian refugees in European countries—especially Germany—have expressed a desire to resolve their legal status and return to Syria, citing cultural concerns and a longing for traditional Syrian values when raising their children. Others remain undecided, while some say they’ll only return for visits.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi announced that two million Syrian refugees have chosen to return home after 14 years of crisis and despair. In a World Refugee Day message (June 20, 2025), he described meeting families filled with joy over social reconnection and belonging. Grandi commended the solidarity shown by neighboring host nations, the hospitality of the Syrian people, and the support UNHCR provides for returning refugees.

According to the UN, 6.1 million Syrians have fled abroad, while 7.4 million remain internally displaced as of the end of 2024, and Due to funding shortages this year, UNHCR has cut refugee support—especially in Lebanon.

After the fall of the Assad regime, former interim Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad al-Bashir called on all refugees to return (December 11, 2024), noting that this wave of returns signals how much the Assad regime was a key driver of displacement. Despite destroyed homes and infrastructure, hundreds of thousands are coming back.

An IOM report identified two key challenges for returnees:

1. Lack of basic services  

2. Scarce job opportunities and high unemployment

The Assad regime had long claimed refugees fled terrorism and couldn’t return due to sanctions. Meanwhile, host countries struggled with the strain of supporting refugees and dwindling international aid. Some even pushed for forced returns, despite risks of detention and harassment by Assad’s intelligence services. In Europe, some political groups blamed Syrian refugees for fueling far-right nationalism and racism.

Moumin sawady