Syrian Government Offers Free repatriation Flights to Citizens Stranded in Libya
Tripoli, Libya – October 25, 2025 – After years stranded in often precarious conditions, Syrian refugees in Libya are being offered a pathway home through a new government-sponsored repatriation program providing free flights to Damascus. Thousands have already registered, with 700 individuals having received passes or tickets as of Saturday, according to reports from the AFP news agency.
The initiative comes as the Syrian embassy in Tripoli reopened in August after a decade-long closure, facilitating the return of citizens who sought refuge in Libya, many hoping to eventually reach Europe. The program offers a crucial option for those who have been unable to navigate the challenges of rebuilding their lives in a war-torn country or risking dangerous sea crossings.
“Without the embassy, it would have been challenging to return to Syria,” said Syrian national Mahmoud Nasr al-Din, who has resided in Libya for three years. “once we return to Syria, we will strive to work and rebuild everything, given the scale of the destruction.” His compatriot, Rami Hassun, 25, echoed the sentiment, stating, “We will return to our country, thank God.”
There are no official figures detailing the number of Syrians currently in Libya, but estimates suggest thousands have been living there for decades, with a surge in arrivals following the outbreak of the Syrian civil war as individuals attempted to reach Europe via the Mediterranean Sea.
The Syrian government’s move comes amid ongoing assessments of the immense costs associated with rebuilding the nation. The World Bank recently estimated that reconstruction efforts will require over $216 billion (192 billion euros). The country is currently led by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa,who assumed power in December following the overthrow of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad by the Islamist HTS militia and its allies. While formerly linked to al-Qaeda, the HTS has since distanced itself from the terrorist network, and al-Sharaa has adopted a more moderate stance since taking office.
