📰 UN official predicts one million Syrian refugees will return by 2026

Geneva, Dec 21 (SANA) A UNHCR official has predicted that nearly one million Syrian relocated persons could return to their country by 2026, following Syria’s gradual recovery since the fall of the former regime on December 8, 2024. Gonzalo Vargas Llosa, head of the UNHCR mission in Syria, stated in an interview with Anadolu agency that more than 1. 3 million relocated persons have already returned since that date. furthermore, nearly two million internally displaced persons have gone back to their areas of origin, bringing the total to over three million people in a short period.

He noted that Syria’s recovery after a long war will not be immediate, but he praised the Syrian administration and people for successfully reconnecting the country with the world in a relatively short time. Llosa stated this return is a positive sign but emphasized that coordinated international backing is needed to improve economic conditions. He noted that lifting sanctions and encouraging private investment will be key to accelerating the reconstruction process.

He also praised Turkey for hosting refugees and supporting Syria after the latest political changes. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, recently called for persisted aid to ensure the ongoing return of Syrian refugees. Meanwhile, the United States approved the repeal of the Caesar Act as part of the 2026 Department of Defense budget.