Video: Lebanon renews Syrian voluntary repatriation

On Tuesday, Lebanon restarted its program of “voluntary returns” for Syrian refugees, with numerous families expected to cross back into Syria via two border points in the eastern part of the country. This move comes 18 months after the program was previously halted.

Reports indicate that 300 refugees are set to depart from Arsal in the Bekaa Valley, a Lebanese border area, to regions in Syria including Homs and al-Qalamoun.

A security official noted to the Asharq al-Awsat newspaper, “We maintain a continuously open center in Arsal’s municipality to register and assist those who choose to return voluntarily.”

On the day the program resumed, Syrian refugees were seen in Arsal, gathering near trucks loaded with their possessions, readying for their journey back to Syria.

Lebanon, which faces severe economic challenges, hosts about two million Syrians, which represents the highest refugee per capita rate globally, with nearly 785,000 officially registered with the United Nations.

The economic downturn that began in late 2019 has transformed Lebanon into a departure point for migrants, including Lebanese citizens as well as Syrian and Palestinian refugees, who undertake dangerous trips to Europe.

The presence of Syrian refugees in Lebanon has been a contentious issue, with some local politicians blaming them for the nation’s escalating economic problems. This issue often gains attention prior to the annual Brussels conference on Syria, set this year for May 27.

Furthermore, organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have repeatedly expressed concerns that Syria remains unsafe for returning refugees.