If you are thinking of returning to Syria from abroad, here you’ll find reliable information and organizations that may be able to help you and your family re-establish your home.
Is it safe to return to Syria?
Returning home is a personal decision that should be fully informed, voluntary and take place in conditions of safety and dignity. It is a choice only you and your family can make.
- UNHCR continues to call on countries and local authorities to allow those who fled to access their place of origin/residence, and to refrain from returning anyone against their wishes.
- UNHCR stands ready to support as conditions allow.
- Every refugee has the right to return home voluntarily, in safety and dignity.
To help you make informed decisions about returning to Syria, UNHCR created Syria is Home, where you can find information on legal steps, documents, housing, healthcare, and education.
Who can help me return to Syria from Lithuania?
Lithuania does not have support programs for returning to Syria. However, UNHCR in Lithuania works with its partner organization, the Lithuanian Red Cross which offer consultation services that may be relevant to you if you choose to return to Syria.
Lithuanian Red Cross Society
- Address: Konstitucijos pr. 7A, PC Europa, III a. Vilnius, LT-09307
- Tel: 📞 111 and +370 5 2127322
- E-mail: 📧 [email protected]
- Webpage: www.redcross.lt
If you are outside of Syria and not in Lithuania, please contact our offices in the country you are in:
Select the country you are in to find out how to contact us >
Attention! All UNHCR services are FREE!
What will happen to my legal status in Lithuania if I return to Syria?
If you decide to voluntarily repatriate to Syria, your protection status and residence permit in Lithuania will generally be revoked or ended. This could also affect your ability to return to Lithuania in the future if your circumstances change.
If you decide to repatriate to Syria, then you may renounce your refugee status or subsidiary protection status in Lithuania. Even though you may reapply for asylum after the renouncement, we advise you to consider a decision on renouncing your protection status only if you are confident about your permanent return to Syria. In Lithuania, you can renounce your protection status by applying to the Migration Department. For more information, please visit the website of the Migration Department. We also advise you to approach the Lithuanian Red Cross to benefit from legal counselling on applicable procedures and consequences of your decision.
Can I get legal assistance?
The Lithuanian authorities do not provide legal aid in voluntary repatriation cases.
For free legal counseling, we advise you contact our partner organization the Lithuanian Red Cross. Please find their contact information below:
Lithuanian Red Cross Society
- Address: Konstitucijos pr. 7A, PC Europa, III a. Vilnius, LT-09307
- Tel: 📞 111 and +370 5 2127322
- E-mail: 📧 [email protected]
- Webpage: redcross.lt
Will the current situation in Syria impact my family reunification process in Lithuania?
No, the current situation in Syria will not directly impact your family reunification process in Lithuania. The family reunification process is separate from the asylum process. The Migration Department assesses family reunification applications based on the grounds of family ties and not the need for protection.
However, if you have been granted international protection (refugee status or subsidiary protection) in Lithuania and have applied to the Migration Department expressing a wish to renounce your protection status while having an ongoing family reunification case, it may affect your case, as the reunification can only be processed if you as a reference person are residing in Lithuania.
Can UNHCR help me with transport to Syria?
UNHCR is currently not providing assistance with transportation to Syria.
Is there shelter and temporary housing available to those that choose to return to Syria?
You can check out UNHCR’s Syria is Home page for information about housing and shelter in Syria here: Housing and shelter, land and property.
Can I come back to Lithuania if I go visit Syria?
The Lithuanian authorities do not currently allow for “go and see” visits to Syria. Please note that under current laws and regulations, if you have been granted international protection (refugee status or subsidiary protection) in Lithuania and decide to visit Syria, the Migration Department may initiate a process of revocation of permit and cessation of protection status.
