Nearly 300 Syrian Refugees Voluntarily Return from Lebanon with Support from UNHCR, IOM and Lebanese Authorities

MASNAA, Lebanon – Around 300 Syrian refugees voluntarily returned to Syria today through a return movement facilitated by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with Lebanon’s General Security.

Refugees gathered at dawn in Beirut, where UNHCR and IOM teams assessed their needs, provided information and counseling, and distributed essential assistance. A convoy of buses and trucks then transported the returnees and their belongings through the Masnaa crossing point, with final destinations in Homs, Hama, and Idlib.

So far in 2025, over 238,000 Syrians have returned from Lebanon, with more than 114,000 expressing interest in the UN-supported voluntary return programme. To support those choosing to return, UNHCR and IOM have scaled-up assistance to ensure the process is safe, dignified and sustainable. This includes the provision of cash assistance, legal counseling, and transportation. A schedule of upcoming convoys is also in place to facilitate the voluntary return of refugees from various regions in Lebanon to multiple destinations across Syria in the coming weeks.

Syrian family preparing to return to Syria in the joint return convoy supported by UNHCR and IOM

©UNHCR / Houssam Hariri

UNHCR and IOM remain committed to working closely with the General Security, Ministry of Social Affairs, and other Lebanese authorities and national partners to support the voluntary return process. At the same time, both agencies are scaling up their efforts inside Syria to promote reintegration and reduce the risk of secondary displacement.

Both agencies reiterate that voluntary returns to Syria must be matched with meaningful investments in return areas, working in close coordination with humanitarian and development partners to create conditions that support safe and dignified reintegration, and ensure long-term sustainability.

A truck being loaded with Syrian refugees' stuff before returning to Syria after years of displacement.

©UNHCR / Houssam Hariri

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For more information, please contact:

For UNHCR, in Beirut, Theresa Fraiha, [email protected]

For IOM, in Beirut, Joelle Mhanna [email protected]