Number of Syrians in Turkey drops to 2.3 million amid rising returns

WISE NEWS PRESS / ISTANBUL, TURKEY — Dec. 5, 2025

The Presidency of Migration Management announced that the number of Syrians under temporary protection in Turkey has declined to 2.37 million, with more than half a million people returning to their country in the last year.

Approaching the first anniversary of the end of the Baathist regime in Syria, the latest data confirms an accelerating downward trend in refugee numbers since 2021. Turkey's return policies, combined with the regime change in Syria, constitute the main dynamics driving this population movement.

According to data dated November 27, 2025, the Syrian population, which peaked at 3.73 million in 2021, currently stands at approximately 2,371,412. Despite the decrease, Turkey remains the country hosting the largest number of Syrians worldwide.

Return statistics and new administration

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated on November 1 that 550,000 Syrians had made "voluntary returns" to their country within the last year. According to the figures shared by Yerlikaya, the total number of returns since 2016 has reached 1.29 million.

The fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime on December 8, 2024, and the establishment of an interim government led by Ahmed Shara are seen as critical factors influencing the return process. While government officials define these returns as "voluntary, safe, and dignified," some national and international human rights organizations allege practices such as "forced signing of voluntary return documents." The government denies these allegations.

Syrians celebrating the regime change in Syria in the Fatih district of Istanbul. (Photo: Hakan Akgun/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Provincial distribution and demographics

Data indicates that Istanbul continues to host the largest number of Syrians under temporary protection, with 416,768 individuals. Following Istanbul are the southern provinces:

• Gaziantep: 333,255

• Sanliurfa: 197,270

• Adana: 178,875

• Hatay: 153,700

The province with the fewest Syrians is Hakkari, hosting only eight individuals. Regarding gender distribution, the male population (1.22 million) exceeds the female population (1.14 million). Additionally, children and youth under the age of 18 account for 1.14 million, making up nearly half of the total group.

Residence permits and irregular migration

Apart from those under temporary protection, there are 76,367 Syrians living in Turkey with residence permits, a group typically consisting of individuals with better economic standing. On the list of foreigners holding residence permits, Syrians rank third, following citizens of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan.

In the fight against undocumented migration, a total of 142,820 irregular migrants were apprehended in 2025 (as of November 27). In terms of nationality, Afghan citizens topped the list with 39,000 apprehensions, followed by Syrians with 19,778.

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