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 Sweden?
The Swedish Migration Agency currently provides support for only voluntary repatriation for Syrian refugees with valid temporary or permanent residency permits. If you are a refugee or have a subsidiary protection status in Sweden and wish to repatriate to Syria, you can apply for repatriation assistance from the Swedish Migration Agency. Your family members may also apply for repatriation assistance.
Syrian asylum-seekers who chose to return voluntarily by withdrawing their asylum application or accepting a negative decision are currently not eligible for assistance from the Swedish Migration Agency. If you are an asylum-seeker and wish to return to Syria, you may receive counselling and help with practical arrangements from the Swedish Red Cross
Whether you are in Syria or in another country, we are here to support you.
If you are outside of Syria and not in Sweden, please contact our offices in the country you are in:
Attention! All UNHCR services are FREE!
What will happen to my legal status in Sweden if I return to Syria?
If you decide to voluntarily repatriate to Syria, your protection status and residence permit in Sweden will generally be revoked or ended. By applying for the repatriation grant to voluntarily repatriate to Syria, you are choosing to give up your status in Sweden. This could also affect your ability to return to Sweden in the future if your circumstances change.
However, if you have a permanent residence permit, you have the right the notify the Swedish Migration Agency that you wish to keep it. Upon such notification, the Swedish Migration Agency may revoke your permanent residence permit only after at least two years have passed since your settlement in Sweden ended. This gives you time to reconsider your decision.
Can I get legal assistance?
The Swedish Migration Agency does not provide access to a public counsel in voluntary repatriation cases.
For free legal counseling assistance, we advise you contact our partner organization The Swedish Refugee Law Center (Asylrättscentrum). Please find their contact information below:
Swedish Refugee Law Center (Asylrättscentrum)
Tel: (+46) 0200-880066 (Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 09.00am-11.00am)
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: Swedish Refugee Law Center (asylrattscentrum.se)
Will the current situation in Syria impact my family reunification process in Sweden?
No, the current situation in Syria will not directly impact your family reunification process in Sweden. The family reunification process is separate from the asylum process. The Swedish Migration Agency assesses family reunification applications based on the grounds of family ties and not the need for protection.
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.