After a hiatus of nearly a year and a half, Lebanon resumed the voluntary repatriation of Syrian refugees on Tuesday, just before the parliament’s discussion on a €1 billion aid package from the European Union.
This announcement has sparked concerns among political and religious groups demanding a permanent solution to the refugee issue.
In the eastern region of Arsal, Lebanon, buses and small trucks, some with Lebanese and others with Syrian license plates, gathered early in the morning before gradually departing to Syria under the supervision of Lebanese General Security.
Refugees were seen carrying their personal belongings and possessions.
The General Security announced the organization of the return of about 330 refugees through two border crossings in Arsal and the town of Al-Qaa, as reported by the official National News Agency.
This is part of the “voluntary return” program initiated by General Security since 2017.
The official Syrian news agency, SANA, reported the arrival of a new batch of returning Syrian refugees from Lebanon via the Jousiyah crossing in the Homs countryside, where health services and necessary vaccinations for children were provided.
Another batch arrived through the Zamrani crossing in the Damascus countryside.
Lebanon, which has been experiencing a severe economic crisis since the fall of 2019, claims to host around two million Syrians, fewer than 800,000 of whom are registered with the United Nations.
This makes Lebanon the country with the highest number of refugees per capita in the world.
Authorities view the refugee issue as an unbearable burden amid four years of chronic economic collapse, with broad consensus among major political forces on the need for a “permanent solution” to the refugee crisis.
Meanwhile, the Lebanese parliament is set to discuss a €1 billion aid package for Lebanon until 2027, announced by the European Union earlier this month.
The EU is counting on the Lebanese government’s cooperation to secure borders and combat refugee smuggling, following an increase in the number of boats heading to Europe.
EU Ambassador Sandra De Waele stated that the package would allow continued funding for key sectors such as social protection, health, water, and education.
She added that the aid “includes not only Syrian refugees but also many Lebanese who benefit from EU-funded social assistance programs.”
By addressing both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term stability, Lebanon aims to navigate its economic difficulties while managing the complex refugee situation.
