How does Türkiye plan to relocate refugees back to Syria?
Syrians who fled the civil war, many of whom then lived in Sanliurfa in south-eastern Türkiye, return to Syria through the Akcakale border post in May 2023 (AA Photo)
As the possibility of a meeting between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad grows, Türkiye is developing new strategies for managing Syrian refugees.
The latest initiative, led by the Presidential Office, focuses on a two-phase approach: “Integration and Repatriation.”
Integration efforts
- Business sector involvement: The business community has long requested that refugees be allowed to work legally. Under the new integration policies, steps will be taken to incorporate refugees into the workforce through proper legal channels.
- Policy development: Policies will address cultural adaptation, employment, residency, and language acquisition to ensure effective integration for those who choose to remain in Türkiye.
Repatriation plans
- Conditional return: The repatriation of Syrian refugees hinges on guarantees from the Assad regime. Türkiye demands:
- Safety guarantees: Assurance of the refugees’ personal safety upon their return.
- Property restitution: Resolution of property ownership issues and return of assets to the refugees.
- Implementation of incentives: Both Türkiye and Syria are expected to introduce incentive policies to facilitate the return process.
Statement from the Syrian Foreign Ministry
The Syrian Foreign Ministry expressed readiness to normalize relations with Türkiye, contingent on a return to pre-2011 conditions, emphasizing the importance of mutual security and stability.
The ministry thanked brotherly and friendly nations for their sincere efforts in fostering improved relations.
