Turkey Urges Syria to Support Voluntary Refugee Returns

Turkey's Interior Minister, Mustafa Çiftçi, visited Damascus to engage with Syrian officials on critical issues including security, voluntary refugee returns, and disaster management. During his meeting with the Syrian Interior Minister of the interim administration, Enes Hattab, Çiftçi reiterated Turkey's commitment to supporting the voluntary, safe, dignified, and regular return of Syrians to their country.

Çiftçi expressed expectations for the Syrian administration to implement policies that encourage and support voluntary returns. He stressed that addressing challenges faced by returnees, particularly concerning security and housing, would accelerate the repatriation process. The minister noted an increase in returns coinciding with developments in Syria, recognizing their importance for the country's reconstruction. "We are aware that these returns are valuable for Syria's recovery and reconstruction. Therefore, we continue our support for the process to be carried out on a voluntary and safe basis," Çiftçi stated.

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We are aware that these returns are valuable for Syria's recovery and reconstruction. Therefore, we continue our support for the process to be carried out on a voluntary and safe basis.

The minister highlighted that many returnees report losing identification, family registry, housing, and property documents. Providing legal assistance to those facing documentation issues, he believes, would further boost voluntary returns. To enhance coordination on migration and returns, Turkey aims to increase cooperation through migration offices established within its embassy in Damascus and consulate in Aleppo.

Çiftçi provided statistics on Syrian returns, stating that 1,439,228 Syrians have returned to their country since 2017, with 699,225 returning since December 8, 2024. He emphasized that Turkey hosts 2,255,031 Syrians under temporary protection and affirmed that all returns are strictly voluntary. "We are not forcibly returning any of our Syrian brothers," he asserted, underscoring the humanitarian aspect of Turkey's policy since 2011.

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We are not forcibly returning any of our Syrian brothers.