Syrians in Turkey split between eager returns and choosing to stay

Overview

Since the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, more than half a million Syrians have left Turkey or are planning to return after years in exile, down from a peak of about 3.5 million. Many say they are saving to go home and hope to help rebuild, but others are deterred by widespread destruction, fragile security, shortages of basic services and doubts about the interim government. At the same time, changes in Turkish policy — ending some free medical care, tighter hiring rules and registration limits — and a cooling public welcome have left some Syrians feeling pushed toward returning despite official assurances that returns will be voluntary.

Voices from Gaziantep capture the division: some young people express impatience to return, while families worry about electricity, water, jobs and the welfare of elderly or disabled relatives. Aid workers and professionals report planning contingencies or choosing to remain in Turkey because of security and governance concerns inside Syria. Observers warn that upcoming Turkish elections could revive xenophobic rhetoric and prompt further policy shifts, complicating both voluntary returns and those who opt to stay. as reported by BBC