A convoy of 400 Syrian refugees returned to Syria on Thursday via al-Arida border crossing in Tartus countryside. This marks the second phase of the voluntary refugee return program.
Thabet Bseis, head of the Immigration and Passport Department at al-Arida crossing, confirmed that the return was coordinated with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Lebanon, as well as local immigration authorities. While some returnees did not have official government-issued documents, Bseis explained that personal identification and UNHCR records were used to facilitate the process.
Ammar Al-Zir, Public Relations Director at al-Arida, stated that the returnees were transported to Syria’s Idleb and Homs provinces. He emphasized that efforts will continue to ensure the smooth return of additional refugees in the next phases of the program.
Adam Shukri, head of the UNHCR office in Syria’s coastal region, noted that the agency provided critical support for the returnees traveling to Idleb and Homs. He added that this is the second convoy of refugees to return, with further assistance planned once the refugees settle in their respective areas.
UNHCR High Commissioner Filippo Grandi has stressed the importance of ensuring a gradual, voluntary, and well-managed return process. He has called for continued international support to help stabilize Syria and reaffirmed the UNHCR’s commitment to assisting the Syrian government in facilitating refugee returns.
Since December 8, 2024, the UNHCR has recorded the return of more than 1 million Syrian refugees, underscoring the ongoing success of the voluntary return.
