Syria Summit: Temporary Return Approval for Refugees in France

The French government has allowed Syrian refugees to return home temporarily without losing their status. Thaer Al Tahli plans a visit to reconnect with family, while the instability in Syria raises concerns about long-term returns. Officials emphasize the uniqueness of this policy while highlighting ongoing security issues for returning refugees.

Syrian refugees in France have received government assurances allowing them to return home temporarily without losing their refugee status. Thaer Al Tahli, from Homs, plans to visit Syria from February 25 to March 5 to reunite with his sisters, whom he hasn’t seen since 2012. He fled because of threats from the Assad regime and extremist groups, including ISIS, during the civil war that forced over six million Syrians to leave the country.

The recent Syrian government, under Hayat Tahrir Al Sham, has encouraged citizens to return to aid in reconstruction efforts. While around 200,000 Syrians have returned through Lebanon and Turkey, many refugees in Europe are uncertain about the country’s stability for a long-term stay. Although motivated to return, Al Tahli expressed skepticism, saying, “I don’t think I’ll come back to live in Syria in the near future” due to ongoing threats in his city.

As of now, only a limited number of Syrian refugees have received approval to visit their homeland, with many fearing the loss of their refugee status. Since 2011, France has granted protection to approximately 30,000 Syrians, with the Interior Ministry stating that refugees can visit their country of origin for humanitarian reasons.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot indicated the unique circumstance for Syrians who, under normal rules, would lose their refugee status by returning home but are now allowed exceptional visits. Barrot emphasized the importance of allowing Syrians to reconnect with their heritage and families, acknowledging the younger generation’s unfamiliarity with their homeland.

A campaign led by Syrian civil society and lawyers has sought permission for temporary returns for several months. There are concerns about the potential revocation of refugee rights for those who return. Lawyer Romain Ruiz noted the fear of intense governmental scrutiny for returning refugees, especially pertaining to visits to conflict-prone areas.

To gain permission for a short visit, Al Tahli had to sign a statement agreeing not to seek assistance from France should issues arise. Ruiz pointed out the inconsistency in government messaging regarding the support for refugee returns, implying it may not align with the risks associated with visiting Syria.

In summary, Syrian refugees in France are now allowed to return home temporarily without jeopardizing their refugee status, a move endorsed by the French government amid ongoing unrest in Syria. This new policy aims to support familial reconnections while raising concerns about the potential risks and monitoring of returning refugees. Despite the encouragement to return, many remain hesitant due to fears of instability and threats upon their return. The situation highlights a complex interplay of humanitarian concerns and security considerations, emphasizing the need for clarity and consistent policy from the French government. French officials acknowledge the delicate nature of the situation, balancing the necessity for humanitarian returns with existing security challenges in Syria.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com