Voluntary Return to Syria 

While recent rapidly changing events in Syria present a remarkable opportunity for Syria to move toward peace and for millions to begin returning home, it is too early for UNHCR to advise refugees about the situation in areas of intended returns, as it is expected to continue to change.

UNHCR maintains its position that all refugees have the fundamental right to return to their home country freely and voluntarily, at a time of their choosing. It is not up to UNHCR or anyone else to make the decision on return on behalf of refugees. Refugees are best placed to make that decision, based on their individual situation, that of their family and their homes in Syria.

If you are considering returning to Syria:

• UNHCR stands ready to support as conditions allow.
• At the moment, UNHCR is not organizing return movements to Syria and is not providing repatriation grants prior to return.
• Inside Syria, while we cannot provide confirmed information about the security situation, UNHCR remains on the ground and is committed to stay and deliver. The volatile security situation has forced suspension of some of UNHCR’s services, but in areas where the security is stabilizing, UNHCR is resuming activities to reach those in most need (for information on services in Syria, see question 4).

If you have not taken a decision to return to Syria:

• UNHCR continues to work with Lebanese authorities and partners to ensure you can continue to stay in Lebanon until they you are able to return home in safety and dignity.

For questions and counselling about return to Syria:

• Call the UNHCR National Call Center: 📞04726111
• Message the Online Contact Form: help.unhcr.org/lebanon/contact-us
• Visit a Community Development Center

A UNHCR staff member will call you back to answer your questions and discuss your needs. While UNHCR cannot currently advise on the situation in your area of intended return, we can provide advice on exit procedures, important documents to take to Syria, medical issues and vaccinations, the status of your UNHCR file in Lebanon if you decide to return, etc.

For guidance on how to navigate UNHCR’s new automated National Call Center, visit: help.unhcr.org/lebanon/call-center

If you are considering returning to Syria, here are some steps to consider:

• Prepare your family: discuss your plans together. Share and write down important contacts.
• Pack essentials: keep important documents with you (IDs, passports, civil and education documents). Bring medicine, water, food, warm clothes, and any special items
• Be alert to explosive objects. If you see a suspicious object: (1) STOP, (2) do not approach, (3) do not touch, (4) call Lebanese Mine Action Center at 05956143
• Avoid misinformation: Check information on official border crossing points on HELP Lebanon
• Find UNHCR services and community centers in Syria: unhcr.org/sy/cc
• Explain to your children what is happening. Make sure they know (1) their name, (2) your names, (3) your phone number

UNHCR is not currently facilitating any visits to Syria.

However, UNHCR believes it is important for refugees to be able to assess conditions in their area of intended return, such as through short ‘go-and-see’ visits. UNHCR will advocate for this possibility with the Government of Lebanon.

🟥 UNHCR cannot guarantee the practices at border crossing points

🟥 UNHCR cannot guarantee that anyone departing Lebanon to conduct a short visit to Syria can re-enter Lebanon.

UNHCR remains present in Lebanon and continues to provide services.

Our priority remains to sustain assistance to the most vulnerable and to strengthen community support structures, including community spaces, psychosocial support, community-based learning activities, and community-led initiatives.

UNHCR will continue to:

• Identify and support those most in need with specialized care and cash assistance.
• Schedule and uphold appointments in Lebanon, including for resettlement. These may be conducted remotely, as Reception Centers have been impacted by the recent hostilities.
• Operate Community Development Centers for activities, counselling, and access to services.
• Remain reachable for questions or requests via our regular channels.

Important notices on appointments:

• If your UNHCR appointment is cancelled (due to road closure/security constraints): Your appointment will be re-scheduled on a priority basis as soon as possible and you will be informed via call or SMS.
• If you have a UNHCR appointment but are concerned about travelling: Prioritize your safety. Contact UNHCR’s National Call Center. Your appointment will be re-scheduled on a priority basis as soon as possible and you will be informed via call or SMS.

Before approaching any service provider, it is recommended to contact them to confirm working hours, as the situation in Lebanon has impacted some facilities in conflict-affected areas.

Find other information on services and assistance throughout HELP Lebanon.

UNHCR remains on the ground in Syria and is committed to stay and deliver.

The recent volatile security situation has forced suspension of some of our services, but in areas where the security is stabilizing, UNHCR is resuming its activities to reach those in most need.

Most of UNHCR’s community centers have reopened and provide limited psychosocial and gender-based violence services. UNHCR Syria does not currently provide cash assistance for returnees.

To find UNHCR services and community centers in Syria, visit: unhcr.org/sy/cc

It is very important that you and each family member have official records of civil status events that took place in Lebanon (birth, marriage, divorce, death) as well as the education documents. Without these, there is a risk that these events and/or your education will not be recognized on return to Syria.

If you are missing documents or for UNHCR guidance: call the UNHCR National Call Center: 📞04726111

Over the past several years, UNHCR has been collecting information on refugees’ intentions and views regarding on their future, including intentions to return to Syria, intentions to stay in Lebanon or even travel to a third country. This information helps ensure that UNHCR is planning in line with the priorities and intentions of refugees, whether this is in Lebanon or Syria.

The information collected during these activities is presented anonymously and the participation is on a voluntary basis. It is not compulsory to respond.

Participation in these intention surveys is not related to humanitarian assistance provided in Lebanon and does not affect refugees’ eligibility to receive assistance and services.