Türkiye ensures safe, dignified return for Syrians through regulated process

Türkiye’s Interior Ministry’s Directorate General of Migration Management announced that it has taken all necessary measures to ensure that the voluntary, safe, dignified and orderly return of Syrians to their home country proceeds smoothly, in a manner consistent with humanitarian values.

Why it matters

This policy is part of Türkiye’s broader strategy to effectively manage migration and repatriation while balancing security needs with humane treatment. By establishing a structured process, authorities seek to ensure that Syrians who choose to return do so under regulated conditions that protect their well-being.

Details

• Current return gateways:
  Voluntary returns are conducted through the Hatay-Cilvegozu, Hatay-Yayladagi, Kilis-Oncupinar, Gaziantep-Karkamis, and Sanliurfa-Akcakale land border gates.
• Four-step process:
  1. Schedule an appointment online at “www.randevu.goc.gov.tr”
  2. Visit the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management on the assigned date.
  3. Complete the necessary procedures at the chosen border gate.
  4. Cross into Syria upon approval.

Zoom in

• Permission for preview visits:
  Syrians under temporary protection who wish to assess conditions in their homeland may apply for “exit entry with permission” up to three times between January 1 and July 1, 2025. A “travel permit” (yol izin belgesi) is valid for 15 days, enabling the holder to travel to the relevant border gate.
• Family-based usage:
  This permit is typically issued to the head of the family, though another adult family member may use it if the head is unable to travel.

Zoom out

By standardizing the voluntary return process, Türkiye aims to discourage irregular migration while respecting displaced individuals’ rights. Through coordination with local Migration Directorates and managed exit-entry programs, Ankara maintains oversight and ensures that Syrians can return under secure, well-organized conditions.