80% of surveyed refugees in five host countries intend to go back to Syria 'soon' - UNHCR

AMMAN — A new UNHCR Regional Perception and Intention Survey (RPIS) has revealed that 80 per cent of the surveyed refugees across five host countries said they intend to go back to Syria soon. 

 The study findings represent a sharp increase from April 2024, when only 57 per cent saw return as an option. 

Among those surveyed, 27 per cent plan to return within the next year, up from just 1.7 per cent in previous RPIS.

The shift reflects recent political changes in Syria, the fall of the Assad regime, which has played a key role in this decision, with 52 per cent citing it as the main reason for wanting to go back, the report said.

At the same time, over 60 per cent expressed interest in first visiting Syria to assess the situation before making a final move.

Return rates vary by host country. Jordan and Egypt have the highest numbers, with 40 and 42 per cent of refugees, respectively, indicating plans to leave. Lebanon and Iraq have lower figures, at 24 and 12 per cent.

The survey, which included 4,500 participants, also shed light on the demographics of those considering a return. Men made up 62 per cent of respondents, while women accounted for 38 per cent.

The majority, 83 per cent, were between the ages of 25 and 59, and 78 per cent identified as the primary decision-makers in their households.

In Jordan, thousands of Syrians have already made the journey back, the RPIS said, citing recent figures by the Interior Ministry, which said that 42,675 refugees have crossed the Jaber border since the fall of the regime. Of those, 7,117 left from refugee camps, while 35,558 departed from other areas of the country.

 Officials have emphasised that all returns were voluntary.

To support the growing number of returnees, the UNHCR is seeking $22 million in funding for returns from Jordan as part of a larger $370.9 million regional initiative.

 Between December 2024 and February 2025, around 43,704 Syrian refugees have already returned home. 

Jordan continues to host nearly 1.3 million Syrians, including 660,000 registered with the UNHCR.

The findings mark a turning point in the refugee crisis, as more displaced Syrians express a renewed sense of optimism and a desire to rebuild their lives in their homeland.