Return and reintegration in Syria: home under strain

The report provides unique, direct evidence on return conditions from returnees from abroad and those who were internally displaced. Findings challenge assumptions that rising return numbers mean conditions are already adequate for people’s sustainable return.

• Return was often prompted by perceived improvements in Syria, but post-return conditions remained fragile. Improved safety, security and freedom of movement were major drivers of return, yet many respondents returned to contexts marked by weak livelihoods, strained housing conditions, limited services and persistent needs.
• Conditions in locations of displacement and host countries also shaped return decisions. Among returnees from abroad, discrimination, lack of prospects and dissatisfaction with life in the host country were prominent pressures, with especially adverse patterns reported among respondents returning from Lebanon.
• Return was generally described as self-directed, but not necessarily unconstrained. Most respondents said return had been their own decision, yet limited support, weak information, legal insecurity and pressure in host or displacement contexts often narrowed the range of options available to them.
• Economic reintegration emerged as the main post-return challenge. Across the sample, many respondents reported difficulty securing an income, insufficient household income, food-related worry and extensive need for cash and livelihood support, pointing to economic insecurity as a major obstacle to sustainable return.
• Social reintegration appeared stronger than material reintegration. Many respondents reported strong family and community ties, a sense of belonging, and progress in reconnecting socially after return, even though emotional stress remained widespread and material conditions often remained precarious.
• Post-return assistance reached very few respondents and often fell short of reported needs. Only a small minority had received assistance after their return, while a large share continued to report the need for cash support, basic needs assistance, housing support and livelihood-related support.
• Return and reintegration conditions differed sharply across governorates. Aleppo generally appeared more favourable across several indicators, while Homs and Idleb more often emerged as locations where respondents reported greater economic strain, more limited service access and weaker reintegration outcomes.
• Most respondents were not planning to move again in the near term. Despite the fragility of post-return conditions, the large majority said they intended to remain in their current location over the next 12 months, suggesting a pattern of cautious settlement rather than immediate further movement within Syria or abroad.