Lack of jobs, economic opportunities and essential services are the greatest challenges for Syrians returning to their homeland in the aftermath of the overthrow of the al Assad government, according to a new report.

The report, from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) says there is a critical need for international support to help Syria recover.

The Communities of Return Index Report assessed conditions in 1,100 communities and neighbourhoods between March and April, where approximately 1.87 million displaced Syrians – both internally displaced and returnees from abroad – have already returned.

It found that many communities face unreliable access to electricity, clean water, and healthcare, while gaps in civil documentation hinder returnees from accessing essential services or claiming housing and land rights.

The report says livelihood opportunities are scarce, as agricultural activity and local markets struggle to recover. At the same time, shelter reconstruction is slow, and unresolved property issues continue to stagnate long-term reintegration.

IOM Director General Amy Pope said support for Syria would see the nation get back on its feet.

“Syrians are resilient and innovative, but they need significant help to rebuild their communities and their lives. Enabling Syrians to return to a country that is on the path to stability and progress is critical for the country’s future,” Ms Pope said.

“IOM reactivated its data collection capacities in Syria, and this report is our latest contribution in guiding evidence-based humanitarian, recovery and other efforts in charting a better future for Syria and its people,” she said.

IOM’s latest Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) report says, the number of internally displaced people declined slightly in April 2025 to around 6.6 million, compared to more than 6.7 million in March. Since January 2024, IOM has recorded over 1.3 million internally displaced returnees and nearly 730,000 arrivals from abroad.

Meanwhile, IOM has welcomed the recent decisions by the European Union and the United States to lift a significant portion of sanctions imposed on Syria.

The moves, along with similar decisions taken by the United Kingdom in the past few weeks, opens new possibilities for recovery, return, and regional peacebuilding after more than a decade of conflict that triggered a humanitarian crisis, mass displacement, economic collapse, the agency says.

“The lifting of sanctions sends a powerful message of hope to millions of displaced Syrians, both within the country and across the region. But hope must be matched with concrete support. Syrians need not just the ability to return, but the means to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity,” Ms Pope said.

The sanctions relief is estimated to affect over $US15 billion in restricted assets and trade measures, and could unlock much-needed investments in livelihoods, infrastructure, health, and housing in areas that have suffered from economic stagnation, isolation, and prolonged displacement.

An estimated 6.7 million Syrians remain internally displaced, and another 5.2 million live as refugees in neighbouring countries.

IOM says that sustainable and voluntary return will only be possible when essential conditions, such as access to services, housing, legal documentation, and livelihoods are in place.

“The recent announcement by Saudi Arabia and Qatar that they are repaying approximately USD 15.5 million in Syrian arrears to the World Bank further reinforces the momentum for re-engagement and reconstruction,” an IOM statement said.

“These funds are expected to reactivate critical development programmes, particularly in education, health, and local governance, areas that are key to facilitating the reintegration of returnees and fostering long-term peace,” it said.

IOM has recently announced its Syria crisis response plan for 2025 appealing for $US100 million to target about 1.4 million people in Syria with critical aid and support.

Melbourne Syrian community leader Norma Medawar said Syrians in Australia were cautiously optimistic about developments in their homeland.

“We are glad to see the violence has stopped, but there are still concerns that minorities might become targets again,” Ms Medawar.

“But an improved economic situation in Syria can only help to ensure stability and peace,” she said.