Syria: immigration

How many Syrian refugees are there?

UNHCR counted 4,865,764 refugees and 154,355 asylum seekers from Syria worldwide at the end of 2025, according to its population statistics.

The figures cover people registered or recognised as refugees in host countries, and UNHCR publishes figures for the main host countries on its Syria situation portal. The number has been falling as refugees return: UNHCR recorded 1,341,148 refugee returns to Syria during 2025. Figures refer to the end of the year and are revised as registration data are updated.

Official sources: UNHCR: Population statistics, origin Syria, 2025 · UNHCR: Syria situation data portal

How many Syrian refugees have returned home?

1,341,148 Syrian refugees returned to Syria during 2025, according to UNHCR population statistics. In the same year 1,964,201 internally displaced people returned to their areas of origin.

Return figures can be revised as more data come in. UNHCR's Syria situation portal publishes updated return figures during the year. Returns are counted in the year they happen, so the 2025 total does not include returns after December 2025.

Official sources: UNHCR: Population statistics, origin Syria, 2025 · UNHCR: Syria situation data portal

How many people are displaced inside Syria?

5,542,227 people were internally displaced within Syria at the end of 2025, according to UNHCR population statistics. UNHCR also counted 160,000 stateless people in Syria.

Internally displaced people have been forced to leave their homes but remain inside the country. The count refers to the end of the year. During 2025, 1,964,201 displaced people returned to their home areas, according to the same source, which reduced the total.

Official sources: UNHCR: Population statistics, Syria as country of asylum, 2025

How many refugees live in Syria?

Syria hosted 9,885 refugees and 4,144 asylum seekers at the end of 2025, according to UNHCR population statistics.

These are people from other countries recognised as refugees or seeking asylum in Syria, mainly registered with UNHCR. The count does not include Palestine refugees, who are registered with a separate UN agency, UNRWA, rather than UNHCR. Figures refer to the end of the calendar year. Passports, residence and entry for foreigners are handled by the Ministry of Interior.

Official sources: UNHCR: Population statistics, Syria as country of asylum, 2025

What share of Syria's population are immigrants?

The latest figure from the UN Population Division, for 2024, is 3.6%. It was 4.3% in 2015. It is 14th highest of 22 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 11.5%. Of 193 countries with 2024 data, 106th highest.

What is net migration in Syria?

The UN Population Division puts net migration in Syria at 421,693 in 2025. The peak was 801,514 in 2007 and the low -2.08 million in 2013. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was -376, and Syria placed 1st highest of 22. Worldwide: 3rd of 193.

How many refugees live in Syria?

The latest figure from UNHCR, for 2025, is 9,885. No year since 2005 has been lower. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 15,377; Syria is 12th highest of 22. Worldwide: 92nd of 169.

How many people from Syria are refugees?

The latest figure from UNHCR, for 2025, is 4.87 million. Its high point since 2005 was 2021, at 6.85 million; its low point was 2006, at 12,327. It is 1st highest of 22 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 7,322. Worldwide: 2nd of 189.