News item | 21-10-2025 | 5:00 PM
Syrians who wish to voluntarily return to their home country are eligible for increased return support. The amounts are temporarily increased to €5,000 per adult and €2,500 per minor child. This increase should promote voluntary return. Minister Van Weel (Asylum and Migration) announced this in a letter to the House of Representatives.
Due to the changed security (situation) in Syria and the change in country policy, it is expected that fewer asylum applications from Syrians will be eligible for approval by the IND. By increasing return support, the government wants to encourage Syrians to return to their country of origin. More departures of Syrians should, among other things, provide more space in asylum reception facilities. Returning Syrians can also contribute to building the country.
Minister of Weel, Asylum and Migration: ‘With the temporary increase in return support for Syrians, the government is focusing more on voluntary return. At the same time, good cooperation with the Syrian transitional government is important to make forced returns possible in the long term. I will remain committed to this in the coming period.’
Increase return support
Syrians who stayed in the Netherlands before October 1, 2025 are eligible for reintegration support worth €5,000 per adult and €2,500 per minor child. Syrians who want to make use of this can do so between November 17, 2025 and January 1, 2026 make a request via the registration form on the website of the Repatriation and Departure Service. Currently, Syrians receive €2,800 per adult and €1,650 per minor.
Cooperation with Syrian authorities
A good relationship with the Syrian authorities is crucial for more voluntary returns and ultimately forced returns. There are therefore ongoing discussions with the authorities. On October 20, the State Secretary for Foreign Trade and Development Aid visited Damascus. Here she spoke with the Syrian transitional government to promote return. And to combat irregular migration by strengthening border management in Syria and improving the socio-economic situation in Syria.