$100 for each returnee: UN encourages Syrians to return from Lebanon - Sarmad

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is striving to facilitate the return of Syrian refugees in Lebanon to their country, following a relative stabilization of conditions in Syria.

In this context, the UNHCR, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), announced a voluntary return support program from Lebanon to Syria. The program provides assistance that includes transportation for refugees and a one-time cash grant of $100 USD per individual in families wishing to return to Syria. Eligible families may also receive an additional one-time cash payment of $300 USD per family.

The program also allows refugees to bring up to 8 cubic meters of luggage, in addition to their personal carry-on items.

Flight Schedules:

The UNHCR has set preliminary dates for the scheduled return flights as follows:

August 25: Departure from Karantina via the Masnaa border crossing.

September 9: Via the Arida border crossing (departure point not yet confirmed).

September 16: Departure from Shatoura Park Hotel via the Masnaa border crossing.

September 23: Via the Arida border crossing (departure point not yet confirmed).

Arrival points in Syria include the governorates of Rif Dimashq, Damascus, Homs, Hama, Idlib, and Aleppo.

The UNHCR has urged those wishing to benefit from the program to contact 04726111 at least ten days prior to their desired departure date.

The UNHCR also noted that flights may be canceled or postponed due to security conditions or potential road closures, advising individuals not to leave their homes or sell their property before confirming and receiving the return form.

It further confirmed that if individuals wishing to return have not been contacted at least ten days prior to the next scheduled departure date, it means that no seat has been allocated to them.