Syrian refugees are returning to Lebanon under the new plan of the UN

• Syrian refugees have started returning to the country from Lebanon.
• The new UN plan provides for financial support and free transportation.
• The humanitarian crisis in Syria remains a serious problem.

The first group of Syrian refugees returned to the country from Lebanon on July 29, 2025, as part of the new plan developed by the United Nations in collaboration with the Lebanese government after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime in the summer. According to UN data, over 205,000 Syrians have returned to the country from Lebanon since the summer, of which at least 126,000 have been confirmed as actual returns.

Lebanon, which received nearly 1.5 million refugees, is trying to resolve this situation through increasing poverty in the country. Under the new plan, refugees will be offered $100 in cash and will be exempted from any fines they may incur. The UN will also provide transportation for the returnees.

UNHCR spokesperson in Lebanon Liza Abu Khaled reported that nearly 17,000 Syrian refugees in Lebanon have already registered for return, although most of them declined to take the buses. The first departure turned out to be problematic, with 72 people, who primarily went to the city of Homs and rural areas of Damascus.

On the border, Syrian authorities have been providing returning refugees with flowers and water. Many of them expressed joy at returning after a long time. However, despite the positive steps, there is still a serious humanitarian crisis in Syria, which complicates the return of refugees. The UN warns that millions of people need urgent assistance for sustainable return.

Tags: Middle East/Well-being