776 Syrian refugees returned to their country on Monday, say Lebanese authorities

The Lebanese government has revealed that as many as 776 Syrian refugees returned voluntarily to their country on Monday. The return was coordinated with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and took place in the presence of UNHCR delegates.

According to the Directorate of General Security in Beirut, the Syrian refugees left Lebanon through Al-Masnaa, Aboudiya and Zumrani border crossings. They travelled on buses provided by the Syrian authorities and were accompanied by General Security officers.

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The move came as a result of almost four months of effort by the Lebanese authorities. Together with the UNHCR, the government in Beirut registered all of the refugees’ names and numbers and worked with the Syrian security agencies for the return to take place.

The Directorate of General Security has established 17 centres cross Lebanon to receive requests from Syrian refugees wishing to return to their homeland.