Introduction:

The issue of Syrian refugees witnessed major shifts in 2025, especially after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024. 

Since the beginning of the year, over 1.5 million Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) have returned to their areas, including 300,000 from Lebanon alone.

 Estimates suggest that up to 3.5 million more may return by year’s end, underscoring the urgent need to support reconstruction and reintegration efforts.

Despite this mass return, challenges persist. Approximately 16.5 million people in Syria remain in need of humanitarian aid and protection. Ongoing hostilities in some regions continue to hinder aid delivery and affect the stability of returnees.

In contrast, the United States and the European Union have lifted economic sanctions on Syria, which could facilitate recovery and development efforts.

Meanwhile, political calls in Lebanon for the deportation of Syrian refugees have intensified, with some officials labeling their presence as a socio-economic burden.

 Nonetheless, UN surveys indicate that 35,500 Syrian refugees in Lebanon are willing to return within the next 12 months, provided that sufficient financial resources and support are available.

Impacts of Return:

In 2025, the return of Syrian refugees became one of the most influential phenomena shaping the country’s social, economic, and political landscape after years of forced displacement. This collective return prompted a reassessment of structural and societal aspects linked to stabilization and reconstruction.

1. Social Impacts:

The return of refugees has contributed to reweaving the social fabric after a long period of dispersion. 

In stable areas, families have been reunited and social ties strengthened. 
However, the process has not been without complications. Returnees face challenges in adapting to economic and political changes, in addition to dealing with psychological effects of the war. 
There is also a pressing need for community support programs targeting the most vulnerable groups—especially orphans and families who lost breadwinners—alongside initiatives that promote social cohesion amid diverse experiences and backgrounds.

2. Economic Impacts:

The return of refugees has stimulated the local economy by increasing demand for housing, essential services, and job opportunities. Areas with high concentrations of returnees have seen increased activity in local investment and reconstruction projects. 

However, pressure on resources and infrastructure remains a critical challenge. 

Some cities face shortages in housing, water, and electricity, compelling authorities and communities to develop sustainable solutions to accommodate the influx. 

Meanwhile, host countries that had long supported refugees are experiencing a decline in international aid, prompting internal policy adjustments.

3. Political Impacts:

Politically, the return of refugees has become a key factor in reshaping the Syrian political scene. 

Many returnees are now participating in reconstruction efforts and the process of envisioning Syria’s future. 

They are also engaging in national reconciliation initiatives and contributing to discussions on public institution reform. 

However, security challenges remain, as instability persists in some areas, limiting full reintegration efforts.

Challenges:

Identifying the challenges facing the return of Syrian refugees is essential—understanding the problem is half the solution. 

Five major challenges have emerged:

1. Social Challenges:

Foremost among them is reintegration, as returnees struggle to adapt to the changes that local communities have undergone during years of displacement. This necessitates psychosocial support programs.

There are also tensions between returnees and local residents in some areas, fueled by competition over resources and job opportunities, which may spark social unrest.

Additionally, special attention must be given to vulnerable groups such as unaccompanied children and the elderly, who require tailored support for successful reintegration.

2. Economic Challenges:

At the top is the lack of employment opportunities. Despite ongoing efforts, a significant gap remains between the number of returnees and available jobs, risking high unemployment rates.

Infrastructure rehabilitation is also critical, as many return destinations suffer from widespread destruction of essential facilities such as water, electricity, and sanitation systems.

Moreover, the urgent need for housing puts further pressure on government resources, as many returnees lack adequate shelter.

3. Legal and Administrative Challenges:

The foremost legal challenge is proving identity and reclaiming property. 

Many returnees struggle to recover their assets due to lost official documents or legal complexities.

Access to government services is another issue, as some returnees lack the documentation needed to obtain basic services like healthcare and education.

Efficient returnee registration mechanisms are also needed to ensure legal rights and streamlined access to assistance.

4. Security Challenges:

Despite improved conditions, hostilities continue in some areas, and pockets of instability still obstruct safe and voluntary return.

5. International Challenges:

There remains a shortage of international funding, even after sanctions have been lifted.

 There is an urgent need for financial aid to support reconstruction and provide essential services to returnees.

Coordination with host countries also poses a significant challenge, as it involves multiple sensitive issues.

Conclusion:

The issue of Syrian refugees remains one of the most complex and impactful on Syria’s future. 

The success of the return process hinges on wise and sustainable management of resources and the multifaceted challenges returnees face. Addressing this matter is not solely a humanitarian endeavor—it also involves political stabilization, economic recovery, and rebuilding the war-torn social fabric.

Achieving a safe and sustainable return requires comprehensive efforts at both local and international levels, with a focus on creating a supportive economic environment, ensuring security and stability, and fostering social solidarity. 

The Syrian government must invest in mechanisms to manage return, stimulate reconstruction projects, and build a social system capable of absorbing returnees in a way that promotes reconciliation and development.

The greatest challenge remains: transforming return into an opportunity for rebuilding the nation—not merely a response to a humanitarian need. Without effective policies and sustainable international partnerships, refugees will continue to face the same obstacles that forced their initial displacement.

The success of this phase demands a strategic vision rooted in social justice and comprehensive development to ensure a more stable future for all Syrians.

Accordingly, we present five urgent recommendations to the Syrian government for addressing the refugee return issue:

1. Improve Return Management and Organization:

Launch a fast-track registration program for returnees to ensure they obtain necessary legal documents, including national ID and property titles.

Establish temporary reception centers equipped with essential services like healthcare and food aid to ensure smooth reintegration.

Develop a centralized database to track returnees and assess their needs, facilitating effective service planning.

2. Promote Social Stability:

Implement community awareness campaigns to foster understanding between returnees and local populations and to mitigate social tensions.

Provide psychosocial support programs, particularly for children and women affected by war trauma.

Activate civil society organizations to deliver aid and coordinate grassroots initiatives in support of returnees.

3. Address Economic Challenges:

Launch temporary employment projects in reconstruction, agriculture, and small industries to support returnees in achieving economic independence.

Offer incentives for local investment in return areas, including tax exemptions and financial support for small businesses.

Expand vocational training programs to prepare returnees for integration into the local labor market.

4. Improve Essential Services:

Rehabilitate infrastructure in return areas, including water, electricity, and sanitation networks.

Strengthen the healthcare system by expanding medical centers and ensuring access to essential medicines.

Enhance school capacity to ensure children returning have access to appropriate education.

5. Strengthen International Cooperation:

Negotiate with host countries to ensure an organized and gradual return of refugees, while securing financial and logistical support.

Request technical and financial assistance from international organizations to aid reconstruction and service provision.

Launch diplomatic initiatives to strengthen international relations and ensure continued humanitarian support for Syria.