Regional Flash Update #54 Syria Situation (21 November 2025)

Key Highlights

• As of 20 November, UNHCR estimates that 1,246,037 individuals have returned to Syria from other countries since 8 December 2024. As of 13 November, 1,944,762 internally displaced persons (IDPs) are estimated to have returned to their areas of origin, of whom 1,062,229 departed from IDP sites in northwest and northeast Syria.
• An IDP Movement Intentions Survey carried out in Syria by the UNHCR-led CCCM Sector, in coordination with REACH and 15 NGO partners (dashboard link) between 7 and 26 September reveals that 27% of the households interviewed plan to return to their areas of origin/former habitual residence while 57% plan to stay in displacement sites. The main barriers to return cited include: lack of basic housing and/or concerns over property/housing; lack of basic services such as electricity, water and health services; lack of employment and no financial means to return.
• As part of its self-reliance and economic inclusion programmes, this year UNHCR Syria has so far supported 1,239 livelihood projects through the cash and in-kind modalities. The majority of recipients were refugee and IDP returnees across the 14 Syrian governorates.
• UNHCR provided 660 refugee returnees with logistical and transportation support from Joussieh (Syria-Lebanon) border crossing point and at Sarmada and Sejjo bus stations after Bab Al-Hawa and Al-Salama (Syria-Turkiye) crossing points to various destinations.
• To support the reintegration of returnees, including IDP returnees from Al Hol camp, UNHCR and its partners continue to offer relevant support in areas of return, including legal assistance and referral to relevant medical services.
• On 17 November, Türkiye’s Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya stated that voluntary, safe, dignified and orderly returns of Syrians have continued to gain momentum, noting that 557,702 Syrians returned to Syria between 9 December 2024 and 12 November 2025.
• With the Presidential decision published in the Official Journal on 19 November, Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yılmaz has officially been appointed as Türkiye’s new ambassador to Syria.

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