FAQs on Voluntary Return to Syria

In addition to bringing identity documents (e.g. national ID, passport), it is very important that, if possible, refugees who have decided to return to Syria leave Lebanon with official records of civil events (birth, marriage, divorce, death) that took place in Lebanon. This means that refugees should have a birth, marriage, divorce, or death certificate registered with the Foreigners’ Registry (Personal Status Department) and stamped by the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

Without these documents there is a risk that these civil events are not recognized once you return to Syria. This could result in an inability of children born in Lebanon to prove that they are Syrian nationals; inability to access inheritance; and inability to prove ownership or use of family houses and property. 

Refugees who have decided to return to Syria should obtain official documentation confirming education that was undertaken in Lebanon. This helps to ensure that this education and studies are recognized by the Syrian authorities. 

Formal basic, secondary, and vocational education documents can be obtained from the school you have attended in Lebanon. They should be validated by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Syrian Embassy in Beirut. For university certificates, validation by all three entities is particularly important. 

Informal education and training certificates cannot be validated by Lebanese official entities but could be of value upon your return to Syria. Try to obtain diplomas/certificates from the organizer/facilitator for informal studies and trainings you have attended prior to departure. 

In case you are diagnosed with a non-communicable disease (e.g., Hypertension, Diabetes, Asthma, Heart diseases), please take note of the below courses of action.

If your patient file is in a public Primary Health Care center (PHCc), you have to go to the PHCc where you are being treated. Request a summary medical report (1 page) of your patient file. You will be provided with a batch of medicine depending on the availability of the drug.

Please make sure to have their vaccination booklet/card available and updated. Additionally, have them vaccinated in the nearest PHCc. If your children were born in Lebanon, then please have a copy of their birth certificate with you.

Please make sure to have the pregnancy booklet/antenatal care card with you because you will need it later. Also, make sure to have all the prophylactic medicines until your next appointment (Folic Acid, etc.). When you arrive to your destination, go to the PHCc where they offer maternity services.