Second batch of displaced Syrians heads home

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A new batch of Syrian refugees is set to return to their homeland from the town of Arsal, amid security measures by the Lebanese army and General Security.

This step follows the return of the last batch on October 26, after the security files of those who applied for their return were completed.

The General Directorate of the Lebanese General Security continues to ensure the voluntary return of Syrian refugees from Lebanon to Syria through applications submitted by the applicants who wish to return at the regional General Security offices distributed across the Lebanese territory. The conditions of those who left for Syria will be settled free of charge immediately upon departure.

General Director of the General Directorate of General Security, Abbas Ibrahim, confirmed that "the return will be voluntary, and we will not force any refugee to return, this is our principled stance, and it comes as part of an effort to reduce the burden on Lebanon."

Ibrahim pointed out that 17 general security centers were distributed across Lebanon in order to organize the voluntary return of Syrian refugees.

The Lebanese official also emphasized that ensuring the return of the Syrian refugees to their homeland is “a national duty that we have to serve," adding that the Syrian side was very welcoming and transparent in dealing with this file.

The return of Syrian refugees from Lebanon to Syria started in 2017, but it was stopped at the end of 2019 due to COVID-19.

Lebanon constantly calls on the relevant international organizations to facilitate the return of Syrian refugees to their country, in order to reduce the economic burden Lebanon bears in light of its staggering economic and living crisis.

Read more: Lebanese G.S.: Major states obstructing return of displaced Syrians