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Iraq Accelerates Repatriation from Al-Hol Camp: Reintegration and Rehabilitation Plan in Coordination with the UN
On Sunday, July 27, the Iraqi Ministry of Migration and Displacement announced the return of approximately 15,000 displaced Iraqis from Al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria. This is part of a comprehensive governmental plan aimed at rehabilitating and reintegrating Iraqi citizens residing in Syrian camps, in cooperation with international and UN organizations.
Deputy Minister of Migration, Karim Al-Nouri, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that repatriation efforts are ongoing. So far, around 10,000 individuals have been returned to their original areas in Iraq, while about 5,000 others remain in Al-Jadaa camp in Nineveh Province, undergoing rehabilitation programs in preparation for their eventual return.
Al-Nouri emphasized that the plan ensures voluntary, safe, and dignified returns, taking into account both security considerations and social sensitivities. He described the progress as a sign of the government’s success in addressing the complex displacement file and reintegrating returnees in a way that supports community stability.
According to data from the Ministry, around 18,000 Iraqi nationals still reside in Al-Hol camp. Their return will be carried out gradually once the necessary administrative and security procedures are completed.
Earlier this year, the Iraqi government, with support from the United Nations, launched a multi-phase plan to repatriate its citizens from Al-Hol and Roj camps. The focus is on psychological and social rehabilitation to ensure their safe and sustainable reintegration into local communities.
In parallel, efforts to return Syrian families from Al-Hol to their hometowns have also continued, particularly to the provinces of Aleppo and Idlib. This follows an agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to evacuate Syrian citizens from the camp, which houses tens of thousands of people suspected of affiliation with ISIS.
On June 16, the first convoy consisting of 42 families arrived in the Aleppo countryside. A second convoy, made up of 40 families—mostly women, children, and individuals with medical needs—departed the camp the day before. These efforts are part of a gradual process involving security verification and humanitarian support.
Al-Hol camp, located in Syria’s Hasakah province and managed by the SDF, is one of the largest displacement camps in the region. It shelters Iraqi, Syrian, and foreign nationals. Originally established in 1991 to host Iraqi refugees during the Gulf War, the camp was reactivated following the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq. It later fell under ISIS control in 2013 before being recaptured by the SDF with support from the international coalition in 2015.
