Syrian-Turkish Agreement Ends the Suffering of Syrians Worldwide
August 21, 202541 ViewsRead Time: 2 minutes
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After years of waiting and suffering, it seems that Syrian expatriates are set to reunite with their homeland. The new Syrian-Turkish agreement represents a qualitative shift in the open-door policy adopted by Damascus to attract its citizens abroad.
The new agreement, announced by the General Authority for Land and Sea Ports in Syria, is the result of intensive diplomatic efforts between Damascus and Ankara. The most important aspect of this agreement is that it allows Syrians holding other nationalities or foreign residencies to enter Syria through Turkish land crossings without the need for prior permission.
Notably, the agreement permits the use of the Syrian passport even if it has expired, which is a bold step aimed at overcoming the bureaucratic obstacles that have prevented thousands of Syrians from returning to their homeland. The facilities include five main land crossings: Kasab, Bab al-Hawa, al-Hamam, al-Salama, and al-Ra'i.
Despite the overwhelming joy among expatriates, a cloud of sadness loomed over the Syrian community in Turkey. The agreement excluded holders of temporary protection cards (Kimlik) and Turkish residency, meaning that about 2.5 million Syrians are deprived of benefiting from these facilities.
The agreement is not limited to individuals, as it also includes allowing the entry of private vehicles through the crossings after paying the specified fees. This feature will make it easier for families to travel between the two countries without the hassle of searching for transportation.
Despite the new facilities, permanent return remains a difficult dream for many. Syria still suffers from widespread destruction, a housing shortage, rising living costs, and the collapse of infrastructure. These factors push most expatriates to settle for temporary visits.
Statistics from the Turkish Ministry of Interior show that 411,649 Syrian refugees have returned to their country since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. These numbers indicate a positive trend, but they remain limited compared to the total number of refugees.
Syrian-Turkish relations open new horizons for cooperation, and the new facilities represent a first step on a long road towards a dignified return for all Syrian expatriates. Success will depend on the ability of both sides to address the remaining administrative obstacles and provide a safe and attractive environment for return.
The new agreement, announced by the General Authority for Land and Sea Ports in Syria, is the result of intensive diplomatic efforts between Damascus and Ankara. The most important aspect of this agreement is that it allows Syrians holding other nationalities or foreign residencies to enter Syria through Turkish land crossings without the need for prior permission.
Notably, the agreement permits the use of the Syrian passport even if it has expired, which is a bold step aimed at overcoming the bureaucratic obstacles that have prevented thousands of Syrians from returning to their homeland. The facilities include five main land crossings: Kasab, Bab al-Hawa, al-Hamam, al-Salama, and al-Ra'i.
Despite the overwhelming joy among expatriates, a cloud of sadness loomed over the Syrian community in Turkey. The agreement excluded holders of temporary protection cards (Kimlik) and Turkish residency, meaning that about 2.5 million Syrians are deprived of benefiting from these facilities.
The agreement is not limited to individuals, as it also includes allowing the entry of private vehicles through the crossings after paying the specified fees. This feature will make it easier for families to travel between the two countries without the hassle of searching for transportation.
Despite the new facilities, permanent return remains a difficult dream for many. Syria still suffers from widespread destruction, a housing shortage, rising living costs, and the collapse of infrastructure. These factors push most expatriates to settle for temporary visits.
Statistics from the Turkish Ministry of Interior show that 411,649 Syrian refugees have returned to their country since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. These numbers indicate a positive trend, but they remain limited compared to the total number of refugees.
Syrian-Turkish relations open new horizons for cooperation, and the new facilities represent a first step on a long road towards a dignified return for all Syrian expatriates. Success will depend on the ability of both sides to address the remaining administrative obstacles and provide a safe and attractive environment for return.
