France permits “humanitarian exceptions” for Syrian refugees to return to Syria for short visits

France has allowed Syrian refugees to submit requests for temporary return to their homeland under specific humanitarian conditions, with the aim of checking on families or property, without losing asylum rights.

France 24 cited the French Interior Ministry as stating that reasons justifying a visit may include “humanitarian motives” that permit communication with family members, or check on property left in Syria, and do not include tourism, commercial or professional motives.

This development came in response to a letter sent in mid-January by the “Freedom of Movement, Right of Return” group to French President Emmanuel Macron, calling for allowing temporary return to Syria to participate in the reconstruction after the fall of Bashar Al-Assad regime, while maintaining asylum status.

Legal frameworks usually prevent beneficiaries of international protection in France from traveling to their home countries, but the ministry confirmed that the “new” situation in Syria justifies expanding the definition of humanitarian motives to include what is called “exploratory return.”

According to the statement issued by the French Interior Ministry, a special permit is issued for these trips, with a maximum duration of three months.

An application for this permit can be submitted to the local administration in the place of residence of the beneficiary of protection.

This application requires the submission of documents proving the urgent need to visit Syria.

Nada Haj Khidr