The General Authority for Land and Maritime Ports in Syria announced the commencement of entry for Syrians holding Turkish citizenship to visit Syria via the al-Hamam crossing, which connects the city of Afrin in northern Aleppo with the Turkish province of Hatay.

Mazen Alloush, the Director of Public Relations at the Land and Maritime Ports Authority, stated to the Syrian official news agency (SANA) that the crossing for naturalized Syrians in Turkey began on Tuesday, January 7.

Syrians holding Turkish citizenship are allowed to travel and return without the need for prior appointment, provided they have a valid Turkish passport.

Alloush indicated that holders of residency in Turkey can enter Syria, on the condition of booking an appointment in advance through the data update link, emphasizing the necessity to return to Turkey before the residency period expires.

The Turkish Ministry of Interior issued a decision on December 25, 2024, allowing one family member of those under temporary protection to visit Syria during the first six months of 2025.

Activist Taha al-Ghazi explained in a previous statement to Enab Baladi that the visit does not imply voluntary return, and the visitor can remain in Turkey without losing their temporary protection status.

Individuals who are not linked to families in Turkey have the right to apply for a visit, as confirmed by the refugee rights activist.

The Turkish Presidency of Migration Management announced via its account on the “X” platform on January 5 that procedures for leaving and returning to Turkey for those under temporary protection have been established.

Voluntary return is conducted through booking an electronic appointment, then visiting the Directorate of Migration in the province where the person wishing to return resides, followed by heading to the designated border crossing for exiting Turkey and entering Syrian territory.

The Turkish Migration Management has also set criteria for Syrians under temporary protection, allowing a family member to visit Syria to assess the current situation and arrange necessary conditions to bring their family from Turkey later.

Two border crossings have been designated for Syrians to visit their country: Al-Rai crossing and al-Hamam crossing in Afrin, with a reminder to use the same crossing for exiting Turkey and returning to it.

On December 24, 2024, Turkey announced the granting of facilities for Syrians residing there to visit Syria at the beginning of the year, in preparation for returning to their homeland.

Most border crossings are currently operating around the clock to facilitate the entry of returnees into Syrian territory, allowing them to transport household furniture using their cars to the Syrian side of the crossing.

Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated on December 31, 2024, via the NTV channel, that about 35,114 people returned to Syria within a period of 21 days.