December 19, 2024 Dear John, For the millions of Syrians who have been displaced, many for more than a decade, the fall of the Assad regime is a seismic moment. Some refugee host countries also are taking it as a moment of opportunity for Syrians to return to Syria—an impulse that may be premature, as our new short read explains. Already, Austria is offering a “return bonus” of 1,000 euros for Syrian refugees who leave. And Lebanon’s prime minister has called for Syrians to depart, citing a strain on his country’s resources. Yet Syria is far from stable. The country is grappling with an unsettled governance picture post-Assad, as well as a volatile security situation, widespread destruction, lack of housing, and uncertain employment prospects for returnees. With the prospect of safe, long-term return highly uncertain, Migration Policy Institute (MPI) analysts Samuel Davidoff-Gore and Susan Fratzke argue in a new short read for a more cautious and gradual approach—one that balances the needs of displaced Syrians, host countries, and Syria alike. Host countries should recognize that the departure of Syrians is likely to be prolonged, similar to past refugee situations such as those from Bosnia and Côte d'Ivoire. Among the steps they should consider: - Providing stability in status: Host governments should reassure Syrians that there is stability in their status over the short term and avoid uncertain announcements that could cause panic.
- Supporting sustainable reintegration: Facilitating preparatory trips to Syria and allowing for some level of circular migration can support smoother reintegration. At present, some countries cancel individuals’ refugee status if they return home even for a short visit, on grounds this disproves their fear of return. Host countries also should consider offering reintegration support, including direct cash grants as well as supporting community livelihood initiatives.
- Investment in Syria’s stability: Host countries should increase development assistance to Syria and its neighbors to ensure infrastructure, governance, and public services are in place for return and reintegration.
“While much of the decision-making regarding the future of Syria must be done by Syrians themselves, the international community, including states that are the primary hosts for Syrian refugees, has a critical opportunity to support the emergence of a safe and viable Syria that can facilitate the repatriation of all Syrians who want to return,” the analysts write. “In the migration realm, this includes making well thought-through policy decisions that balance Syrians’ desire to remain and to return.” We invite you to read the full short read here: www.migrationpolicy.org/news/post-assad-returns-syria. |
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