Assistance for those returning to Syria
Since the fall of the Assad regime, we have been receiving applications and calls from Syrians who want to return to Syria. DTenV supports those who want help organising their return. This page provides more information.
DTenV only offers support for sustainable return to Syria. We cannot offer support for temporary return to Syria, such as for family visits or to collect belongings. In principle we only offer help to Syrians who reside in the Netherlands illegally, are still in an admission procedure or hold a temporary asylum residence permit.
What help does DTenV offer?
DTenV can arrange the trip for you. The itinerary depends on current options, for example, via Jordan or Qatar to Damascus. DTenV will give you money to support your return. The standard amount is 900 euros in cash.
DTenV can book your trip if you hold a valid or expired Syrian passport. If you do not have these documents, you should first apply for a replacement travel document (laissez-passer) at the Syrian embassy in Brussels. DTenV cannot support you in this for the time being. However, if necessary we can arrange for you to obtain permission to travel across Belgian territory.
What does the procedure look like?
When you request help from DTenV, we first check that all the necessary details are present. A staff member (director) will then contact you to discuss options for return. After this, the trip can be booked.
Return to Syria must be a conscious and voluntary choice. This is why the intake pays attention to the risks of return.
For this reason, we also ask you to sign a declaration. In it, you declare to leave voluntarily and withdraw any outstanding residence procedures and/or the temporary residence permit. You can find this declaration on the IND website.
How do you apply for help?
Those who want help to return to Syria can make this known via the application form. To speed up processing, please complete the form in English or Dutch.
Before completing the form, please have the following information to hand:
- Full names and V(reemdelingen) number.
- Address of residence (COA location) in the Netherlands and contact details (e-mail address and valid telephone number).
NB: If you have any questions about this statement, please discuss them with us later in the interview.
We will contact you within five working days of receiving the form.
Further information
If you have any further questions, please contact us at info@dtv.minvenj.nl.