Since March, Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, has facilitated the voluntary return to their home country of more than 1 000 Syrian nationals from 14 different EU Member States. This significant milestone reflects the Agency's continued commitment to safe and dignified returns.
Frontex’ support to voluntary returns to Syria follows the political transition in the country after the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, a development that has led many Syrians, both those internally displaced and those residing in other countries, to seek a return home after years of conflict and displacement.
Frontex ensures that all returnees are fully informed of their rights and the voluntary nature of their decision, and each return is carried out in accordance with EU law and international protection standards.
The European Border and Coast Guard Agency continues to expand its role as a return partner for Member States, with voluntary returns constantly growing in number and geographical scope, and now accounting for more than half of all returns supported by the Agency.
- Frontex voluntary return operations to Syria commenced on 20 March 2025.
- More than 1000 returns have taken place to date.
- These returns are part of the European Union’s commitment to promote humane, safe, and voluntary return processes.
- Frontex supports national authorities also in pre-return counselling and logistical coordination, including by deploying to EU Member States specialised profiles of the Standing Corps.
- In the next days, the Agency will make also make available reintegration measures to those returning voluntarily to Syria, by expanding the geographical scope of the European Reintegration Programme (EURP).
Frontex will continue to support Member States in providing individuals with a dignified pathway to return, helping those who choose to rebuild their lives at home.
