Repatriation as a Durable Solution for Syrian Refugees in Iraq: Challenges and Opportunities Post-Syria’s Political Transition

Following Syria's political transition in December 2024, repatriation or return, as a durable solution for Syrian refugees in Iraq, particularly in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), where most of the Syrian refugees live, has become a main point of discussion for the refugees and the refugee-related organizations. This research explores and focuses on the challenges and opportunities concerning the return of Syrian refugees from Iraq in a voluntary, safe, and dignified manner, considering the ongoing political instability, security concerns, and economic challenges in Syria. To obtain views of both Syrian refugees and the relevant organizations that work to assist and support the Syrian refugees in Iraq, the research used a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative surveys with Syrian refugees living in camps and urban areas in the Erbil governorate, where a large number of Syrian refugees live, as well as qualitative interviews with managers of international and national organizations working to assist and protect refugees in Iraq. The findings disclosed that only a limited percentage of refugees intend or are capable of going back to Syria, while the vast majority prefer resettling in another country, indicating security concerns, economic instability, and lack of basic services as primary concerns for returning to Syria. Therefore, while voluntary return or repatriation of Syrian refugees might be a preferred long-term solution, it is currently not feasible due to unresolved political, security, and economic challenges in Syria.