723,000 Syrians Voluntarily Return to Syria Since Regime Collapse, Turkish Interior Minister Says
Turkish Interior Minister Oğuz Gürççev, speaking on a local TV program, reported that 723,000 Syrians have voluntarily returned to their homeland since the fall of the Assad regime on December 8.
Statistical details
Official figures show that 1.005 million Syrians have gone back to Syria over the past ten years, while Turkey hosts 3.623 million foreign residents, including 2.235 million Syrians under temporary protection.
The minister noted a sharp acceleration in returns recently, backed by reinforced border security: a 1,389‑km wall, continuous monitoring with thermal cameras, watchtowers and patrol vehicles.
Context
These numbers reflect Turkey's policy to reduce the Syrian refugee population that settled since 2011, aiming for safe and dignified returns to Syria away from security threats.
Authorities claim that stronger border security will facilitate returns and ease Turkey's economic and social burden.
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