By Ebad Ahmed
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AA) - A growing number of Syrian immigrants and their descendants in Denmark are contemplating returning to their homeland following the collapse of the Assad regime on Dec. 8 last year, the Danish Refugee Council told state news media on Wednesday.
Between week 50 of 2024, when the regime fell, and week six of this year, the Danish Refugee Council received 459 information forms from Syrians expressing interest in repatriation.
Denmark allows refugees and foreigners to voluntarily return to their home countries through a formal process. The first step requires filling out an information form, which the Danish Refugee Council uses to provide guidance on repatriation.
For comparison, throughout 2024, the Danish Refugee Council received a total of 838 information forms from individuals of all nationalities, including Syrians.
“It is a significant increase compared to what we have seen previously. In addition to the forms, we have also received a surge in phone inquiries from people seeking further information,” said Eva Singer, head of asylum at the Danish Refugee Council.
Currently, there are 46,064 immigrants and descendants of Syrian origin residing in Denmark. Among them, 4,599 hold Danish citizenship, while the remainder reside under various legal statuses.
However, not all individuals who complete the information form ultimately decide to return.
For those who do, Denmark offers financial support to help them establish themselves in Syria. Additionally, returnees have the option to change their minds and return to Denmark within 12 months of their departure.
Denmark’s Immigration and Integration Minister Kaare Dybvad Bek welcomed the development, noting that it signals a potential shift for Syria’s future.
“I find it incredibly positive if more Syrians are choosing to return home and contribute to rebuilding their country, now that the situation has become relatively more peaceful,” he said.
He emphasized that Denmark awaits an official assessment from the Refugee Appeals Board regarding Syria’s long-term stability.
“If individuals voluntarily decide to return because they see a future for themselves in Syria, they should be supported. However, we will not forcibly deport anyone until the Refugee Appeals Board confirms a stable and lasting security situation in Syria,” Bek said.