Story perspectives

One Year After Assad's Fall: Refugees Face Tough Return

12/8/2025

Summary

Story summary

On December 8, 2025, Syria marks one year since the fall of the al-Assad regime.
About 2.6 million Syrian refugees have returned, many settling in Aleppo, Idlib, and Hama.
Khalid al-Shatta, who returned after 13 years, cites difficulty finding jobs amid high living costs.
Many returnees face unaffordable housing and damaged homes.
European Union (EU) asylum applications from Syrians fell 23% after guidelines exempting service evaders from persecution.

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Story summary

On December 8, 2025, Syria marks one year since the fall of the al-Assad regime.
About 2.6 million Syrian refugees have returned, many settling in Aleppo, Idlib, and Hama.
Khalid al-Shatta, who returned after 13 years, cites difficulty finding jobs amid high living costs.
Many returnees face unaffordable housing and damaged homes.
European Union (EU) asylum applications from Syrians fell 23% after guidelines exempting service evaders from persecution.