Five months after the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, Syrians in Türkiye remain at a crossroads. And most of them are not seeing a viable path to return yet.
Upinion’s new report “Syrian voices from Türkiye” captures the complexities of return: Upinion community members shared their insights on return, legal barriers to visiting or returning to Syria, and the future. It’s a window into the decisions Syrians are navigating daily, and a reminder that return isn’t a straightforward next step, but a deeply personal process shaped by hope and doubt, and, ultimately, survival.
Between the 21st of March and the 1st of May 2025, Upinion spoke with more than 200 Syrian community members in Türkiye who shared valuable insights with us: Return plans vary widely and are shifting: While 20 % (n=211) reported planning to stay in Türkiye, another 20% planned to resettle in Syria. 21% indicated plans to leave for a third country through UN-led resettlement, and 23% were uncertain about their future plans. 95% (n=201) of respondents have not visited Syria since the fall of the regime in December 2024. Of those who visited recently, to check on homes or reconnect with family, many described difficulties crossing the border and fear of being denied reentry to Türkiye, revealing how fragile return can be with legal uncertainty, stalled IDs, and fear of losing protection. Most say they will only consider returning when Syria is truly safe and they can secure stable housing, services, and rights. They call on the international community for return support such as financial support and reintegration assistance.
Read more in the report below.