The director-general of the International Organization of Migration (IOM) has emphasized the importance of not discussing the return of Syrian refugees in isolation from the broader economic and political context. Amy Pope stressed the need for states to invest in Syria’s transition following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime to prevent future waves of migration. She highlighted the significance of investing in peacebuilding processes, revitalization of Syria, and humanitarian assistance. The European Union recently unveiled almost €2.5 billion in additional support for Syrians during a donor conference, bringing the total donations to €5.8 billion. Pope emphasized that the conversation around the return of Syrians must be had within the context of the investment needed at this critical moment, both financially and politically.
Following the fall of al-Assad’s regime, at least 14 EU member states, including Germany, France, and Italy, suspended the processing of asylum applications by Syrians. Some governments have begun preparing for the voluntary return of refugees, with the Austrian Interior Minister instructing his ministry to make arrangements for the “orderly repatriation and deportation to Syria.” The idea of increasing voluntary returns to Syria had been gaining traction even before al-Assad’s regime fell as governments sought to strengthen their migration policies. More EU member states are considering ‘go-and-see’ visits for Syrians to assess conditions in their country while maintaining their protection status in their host country, a move supported by the UN.
The UN is backing the idea of allowing Syrian refugees in countries like France to undertake ‘exploratory visits’ to assess the situation in their homeland without losing their legal status. The French Interior Ministry has proposed providing special permits for up to three months for these visits. The UN’s refugee agency has found that a significant majority of Syrian refugees express a desire to return home at some point, with 27% having an immediate intention to return within the next 12 months. Sixty percent of refugees are interested in short-term visits to evaluate the conditions on the ground. Pope emphasized the importance of investment in rebuilding communities and providing humanitarian assistance to encourage the safe return of refugees.
Pope stressed that it’s crucial for people considering returning to Syria to have access to essential resources, humanitarian aid, and support for rebuilding their communities. She warned that if individuals return to find unsafe conditions or a lack of prospects, they may be compelled to migrate out again. The investment in Syria’s revitalization is seen as essential to ensuring that returning refugees have a future and can contribute to the reconstruction of their country. Pope highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach that combines financial and political investment with the willingness of states to support the return of refugees in a sustainable manner.
The director-general emphasized that conversations about the return of Syrian refugees should not occur in isolation but rather in the context of broader investments needed for peacebuilding and reconstruction in Syria. The support of states in investing in the revitalization of Syria will be crucial in determining the success of voluntary returns and the prevention of future waves of migration. The UN is advocating for measures such as ‘go-and-see’ visits for Syrians to assess the situation in their homeland, while also calling for continued international support and aid to facilitate the safe return and reintegration of refugees. By addressing the economic and political challenges in Syria, states can create an environment conducive to the voluntary return of refugees and contribute to the long-term stability and prosperity of the region.
