Returning to Syria

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 Norway?

The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (Utlendingsdirektoratet – UDI) offers support and assistance that may be relevant to you if you choose to return to Syria.

You can find information on UDI’s website here: Assisted return

During opening hours, you can call UDI at (+47) 23 35 16 00.  When asked what type of case it is, press 7 on the phone (assisted return). You can also send an email to [email protected].

Opening hours telephone: 

Monday: 10:00–14:30
Tuesday: 10:00–14:30
Wednesday: closed
Thursday–Friday: 10:00–14:30

You can also get guidance from IOM by phone at +47 23 10 53 20 or you can send an email to  [email protected]

You can apply for assisted return here. If you have an eID you should log in with it. If you do not have an eID, you can create a user profile with a username and password.

Each family member must create their own application. As a parent, you can apply on behalf of your children under the age of 18.

Parental consent is required for applications from children under the age of 18. If both parents are resident in Norway, but only one parent is moving back with the child, the other parent must give written consent to this by using the form ” Consent to move with children abroad (pdf, 191 kB) “.

Parents with children in Norway will not receive support if children under the age of 18 are left without a caregiver.

Whether you have an asylum application pending, or your asylum application has been granted or rejected or if you have a pending family reunification application with someone who has been granted protection – you can apply for assisted return.

If your application for assisted return is approved, UDI will pay for your return trip and book the tickets for you. You cannot buy airline tickets on your own. You will receive a financial grant of NOK 15,000 to support your return. This amount is also given for each child who travels with you.

You cannot receive financial support if you are a Norwegian citizen.

If you have a valid travel document yourself or with the police, UDI can help you with your travel. If you are unsure whether you have a valid travel document, you can call UDI.

If you do not have a valid travel document, you can still apply for assisted return and UDI will try to help you.

If your application for assisted return is approved, UDI will ask you to send them a power of attorney in the approval letter so they can send a copy of your documents to the Syrian embassy. The Syrian embassy need these to be able to issue you a travel document. The Syrian embassy also wants to speak with you to make sure that your return is voluntary, so you need to provide UDI with a phone number where they can contact you.

If you have a residence permit in a country other than Syria that is valid for at least six months, you can also apply for assisted return to that country. Each application will be assessed individually, and not everyone will be approved.

You should not withdraw your asylum application if you apply for assisted return.

The obligation to leave Syria for citizens is still suspended in Norway, which means that the police will not forcibly deport you. Applying for return is voluntary. You can change your mind and withdraw your application at any time.

If you are outside of Syria and not in Norway, please contact our offices in the country you are in:

Attention! All UNHCR services are FREE!