14.12.2025 08:55
As of now, 2 million 370 thousand Syrians are still living in Turkey under temporary protection status, and the slow progress of returns has prompted the government to take action. After the removal of free healthcare services for Syrians, President Erdoğan has also intervened, and the temporary protection statuses will be gradually lifted. Syrians will be subject to residence permits, and those who cannot obtain a residence permit will be considered illegal.
Since the end of the war in Syria on December 8, 2024, the number of Syrians returning to their country from Turkey has been recorded at approximately 600,000. However, there are still 2 million 370 thousand Syrians living in Turkey under temporary protection status. Although some regulations have been implemented by the security bureaucracy due to the slow progress of returns, it is reported that these steps have not had the expected impact.
"REMOVAL OF TEMPORARY PROTECTION STATUS SUGGESTED"
According to a report in Türkiye Newspaper, it was suggested to President Erdoğan to remove the temporary protection statuses of Syrians all at once, similar to practices in Europe, in order to accelerate the process. However, it was stated that Erdoğan opposed coercive measures by recalling the principle of voluntary return that Turkey has adopted since the beginning. Therefore, it was decided that the removal of temporary protection status would be implemented gradually and that returns would be encouraged with phased measures. Relevant ministries and institutions are working on new regulations in this direction.
FREE HEALTH SERVICES REMOVED
The first step taken in this context was the removal of free health services provided to Syrians under temporary protection. With the regulation that came into effect at the beginning of the new year, it became mandatory for Syrians to pay a contribution fee to benefit from health services. Security sources believe that this practice will accelerate return decisions.
RESIDENCE PERMIT REQUIRED TO STAY IN TURKEY
In the next phase, it is planned to gradually terminate the temporary protection statuses. Syrians whose status is revoked will need to obtain a residence permit to stay in Turkey. However, it is emphasized that the conditions for obtaining a residence permit are quite strict. According to security sources, criteria such as having a regular job, housing, a valid rental contract, health insurance, and sufficient financial means will be required. It is stated that those who do not meet the conditions will have to return to their countries, otherwise, they will fall into an illegal status. These practices are expected to accelerate returns.
UN FUNDS WILL ALSO BE ACTIVATED IN THE RETURN PROCESS
On the other hand, it is noted that funds provided by the United Nations will also be activated in the return process of Syrians. It is planned to provide financial support from UN resources to Syrians wishing to return to their country and to cover travel expenses.