Syrian refugees begin returning home as conditions improve
- Firas al Saghir, a Syrian refugee in Lebanon, has chosen to return to Syria after more than ten years in exile.
- Lebanon is facilitating the return of around 300,000 to 400,000 Syrian refugees before the start of the school year amid improved conditions in their homeland.
- The ongoing political changes and economic reconstruction prospects in Syria are encouraging many refugees to consider returning home.
Lebanon is experiencing a significant change in its approach to Syrian refugees, with a focus on facilitating their return to Syria. Many refugees, like Firas al Saghir, who fled the violence and war in Syria over a decade ago, are reconsidering their options as conditions in their homeland improve following the fall of President Bashar Assad. Affordable transportation options and new government plans give hope to families that they may return safely, despite uncertainty regarding the future in Syria, especially for those whose homes have been damaged. As of late June 2025, Lebanon has already seen a considerable number of Syrian refugees returning home, with estimates of over 177,000 people having crossed from or through Lebanon into Syria. These returns coincide with the promising political changes and potential for economic reconstruction in Syria, which many refugees view as factors encouraging their repatriation. Lebanese officials are working diligently to manage the complexities that accompany these movements, such as the integration of returnees and addressing the socio-economic strains caused by the high number of refugees residing in Lebanon. Unfortunately, Lebanon's infrastructure remains under significant stress after years of hosting a growing population of refugees, which has intensified poverty and strained resources. The Lebanese government aims to facilitate an organized return process, with set collection points to help streamline the transition for Syrian families. As the prospect of returning to Syria becomes more appealing, many refugees remain cautious and contemplate their choice to leave the safety they've found in Lebanon. Globally, donors face a crucial task in deciding how and when to support initiatives for rebuilding both Lebanon and Syria, considering the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region. While many refugees express a desire to return, the complex realities on the ground still pose significant challenges for both the returnees and the host communities in Lebanon.