UNHCR Reports 43,704 Syrian Refugees Have Returned from Jordan Since Regime Change

Jaber-Nasib border crossing between Jordan and Syria – North Press

By Kardo Roj

DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced on Monday that 43,704 Syrian refugees have returned from Jordan since the fall of the previous Syrian regime on December 8, 2024.

According to UNHCR data, the returning refugees were categorized by age and gender. Among them, 23,867 were male, while 19,837 were female. The largest group among male returnees was aged 18-35, totaling 8,166 individuals, followed by those aged 36-59 at 5,241. Similarly, among female returnees, the 18-35 age group was the most significant, with 5,913 individuals, followed by 3,923 in the 36-59 age bracket.

The data also revealed that 84% of returnees had been living in urban areas in Jordan, while 16% had previously resided in refugee camps.

The return of Syrian refugees marks a significant shift in regional dynamics following years of displacement caused by conflict and instability. Jordan, which has hosted hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees since the onset of the war, had implemented strict border policies in recent years. However, the recent political changes in Syria have encouraged many refugees to return.

The Jordanian Ministry of Interior confirmed that 42,675 Syrians have left Jordan through the Jaber border crossing since the fall of the Assad government. Jordanian officials have reiterated their commitment to facilitating voluntary returns while ensuring the safety and well-being of departing refugees.

Despite the increasing number of returnees, concerns remain about the conditions awaiting them in Syria. Many areas still face security challenges, economic hardships, and infrastructure damage. Humanitarian organizations have urged caution, emphasizing the need for stable governance and international support to ensure safe reintegration for returnees.

For now, the return of tens of thousands of Syrians signals a new chapter in the country’s post-war recovery, though uncertainties remain about the long-term prospects of those who have chosen to go back.