A second group of Syrians has left Egypt for their homeland, marking the latest step in a process of repatriation facilitated by Egyptian authorities. According to the Red Sea Ports Authority, 63 Syrians boarded a ferry at Nuweiba Port on their journey back to Syria. These individuals were transported by buses from their homes in Cairo to the port, where they underwent inspection and passport procedures. The ferry will first travel to Aqaba Port in Jordan, where the returnees will then continue overland to Syria via the Jaber Border Crossing.
This follows the departure of the first group of 40 Syrians on December 29, who also traveled from Nuweiba to Aqaba before heading to Syria. Egypt hosts a significant refugee population, with the UNHCR reporting over 792,000 registered refugees from 62 countries, though unofficial estimates suggest the total number of refugees could reach around 9 million, including approximately 1.5 million Syrians.
The ongoing return of Syrians to their home country comes amid significant political changes in Syria. On December 8, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, after nearly 25 years in power, fled to Russia following the fall of Damascus to anti-regime forces. This marked the collapse of the Baath Party’s long-standing rule, with key cities falling to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham fighters in a swift offensive that took less than two weeks.
The repatriation efforts highlight the shifting dynamics of the Syrian conflict and the broader region.
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