The Number of Returnees from Turkey to Syria Has Increased Sevenfold
Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya stated that there has been a significant increase in the return of Syrians to their home country over the last 15 days. It was noted that the number of those returning to Syria has exceeded 25,000 during this period. Yerlikaya emphasized that this increase is seven times higher compared to previous periods.
The recent rise in the return of Syrians indicates a growing interest among those under temporary protection in Turkey to return to their countries. The Minister noted that a total of 4,164,472 foreigners have the legal right to stay in Turkey, of which 2,920,119 are Syrians under temporary protection. This situation highlights that Syrians are one of the significant demographic groups in Turkey.
How does the return process for Syrians work? Syrians wishing to return to their country can apply through the website of the Directorate General of Migration Management. Minister Yerlikaya stated that applications are processed quickly, and appointments are provided on the same day. He also informed that Syrians returning to their home country can take their household and workplace belongings, as well as their vehicles, with them.
During this process, the Ministry is taking various measures to facilitate the return of Syrians. Yerlikaya mentioned that Migration Management Offices will be established in Damascus and Aleppo to ensure that the registrations of Syrians in Turkey are also valid in Syria, thereby enabling smoother and more efficient processing for those returning.
New entry and exit rights have been granted to Syrians With the instruction of President Erdoğan, a new entry and exit rights application is being initiated as part of the preparation process for Syrian refugees. Minister Yerlikaya announced that between January 1 and July 1, 2025, one person from each Syrian family will be granted the right to enter and exit three times as long as they return to their home country.
This new arrangement offers Syrians an important opportunity to maintain their familial and social ties both in Turkey and their home country. Additionally, it enables them to preserve their connections to their homeland, which could help sustain economic and social relations between the two countries even after their departure from Turkey.