Half‑million Syrians leave Turkey as many plan returns despite risks

Syrians weigh return after years in Turkey

More than half a million Syrians have left Turkey since the ousting of Bashar al‑Assad in December 2024, reversing part of a population that once peaked at about 3.5 million. Some are driven by a powerful pull of home and hope that Syria will be rebuilt, despite widespread destruction in cities like Aleppo, occupied homes and an interim government led by Ahmed Al Sharaa. Others highlight practical obstacles to return — low wages, damaged infrastructure, and family responsibilities — and note that many children born in Turkey do not speak Arabic, complicating reintegration.

Those who remain in Turkey say they face growing pressures that make staying difficult. Syrians under "temporary protection" confront movement and work restrictions, reduced access to free medical care from January, tougher hiring rules and occasional xenophobic sentiment. Civil society groups warn bureaucratic nudges and the prospect of future elections could increase incentives to leave; families remain divided between optimism about rebuilding and fears over security, services and livelihoods. as reported by BBC