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A group of Syrian refugees in Cyprus, known as ''Syrians in Cyprus,'' has submitted a letter to Deputy Minister of Immigration and International Protection, Nicolas Ioannidis, urging the government to facilitate their safe and organized return to Syria. This plea comes in the wake of the Assad regime’s fall and the takeover by Islamist rebels of Hayat al-Tahrir, marking a pivotal moment in Syria's tumultuous history.
The group expressed gratitude to Cyprus for its hospitality over the past 13 years but emphasized their longing to return to their homeland despite the continued instability in Syria. They requested the expansion of Cyprus' Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) program to include Syrian nationals, offering logistical and financial support to those wishing to repatriate.
Ioannidis responded, affirming the government’s readiness to assist those who voluntarily withdraw their asylum claims or protection status. Eligible individuals would receive €1,500 from the EU and a ticket back to their country of choice.
The appeal highlights the broader context of Syrian refugees’ complex decision-making process regarding repatriation. According to Gonthalo Vargas Yosa, the UN’s representative in Syria, many Syrians remain hesitant to return, citing concerns about political stability, community reconciliation, and access to basic services.
Yosa described the recent return of hundreds of Syrians at the Lebanon-Syria border as a scene of celebration and hope. However, he cautioned that large-scale returns require substantial international support to rebuild infrastructure, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, warning of the risks of losing a unique window for recovery after 13 years of conflict.
This appeal from Syrians in Cyprus underscores the delicate balance between hope for a new chapter in Syria and the challenges of ensuring a safe and dignified return for those displaced by war.
