Overview of Syrian Refugees' in Iraq Intention to Return, UNHCR Iraq, November 2025

Overview of Syrian Refugees’ Intention to Return

UNHCR Iraq – November 2025

Background

By November 2025, Iraq continues to host tens of thousands of Syrian refugees, mostly residing in the Kurdistan Region. The UNHCR conducted an assessment to understand their intentions regarding a potential return to Syria.

Key Findings

A majority of surveyed refugees prefer to remain in Iraq for now, mainly due to security concerns and inadequate living conditions in their places of origin in Syria.
Only a small proportion expressed readiness to return in the short term, citing family reunification or property recovery as main incentives.
Safety and stability in Syria remain the primary factors influencing decision-making.
Access to education, employment, and legal status in Iraq strongly affects refugees’ future plans and their feeling of integration.

Demographics and Locations

The surveyed population includes refugees from multiple regions of Syria, predominantly from Hassakeh, Aleppo, and Raqqa.
Most respondents live in camps such as Domiz, Kawergosk, and Darashakran, while others settled in urban areas across the Kurdistan Region.

Perceptions of Return Conditions

Refugees report persistent security concerns, including fear of conflict, detention, or lack of basic services in Syria.
Many cited housing destruction, loss of property, and absence of livelihood opportunities as major obstacles to safe return.
Information gaps about conditions in home areas create uncertainty and hesitation.

Support Needs

Refugees highlighted the following priority areas:

Legal documentation and civil registration support.
Continued humanitarian assistance and access to employment.
Enhanced communication with family and friends inside Syria to assess real conditions.

UNHCR Recommendations

Maintain protection space and ensure refugees can remain lawfully in Iraq.
Continue monitoring intentions to return and address barriers to safe, voluntary repatriation.
Strengthen community resilience and social cohesion between refugees and host communities.

“The decision to return must be voluntary, based on informed choices, and take place in conditions of safety and dignity.”
— UNHCR Iraq, November 2025

Author’s Summary: The UNHCR’s November 2025 assessment finds most Syrian refugees in Iraq reluctant to return soon, prioritizing safety, stability, and livelihood security over voluntary repatriation.

ReliefWeb — 2025-11-24