Twenty-first relocation of people from Al-Hol Camp in North and East Syria to Jadaa Camp in Iraq

AL-HOL, North and East Syria — On Sunday, 9 February, Al-Hol Camp in North and East Syria witnessed preparations for the relocation of a new batch of Iraqi nationals to Jadaa Camp in Mosul, Iraq. This marks the 21st relocation since repatriation operations began in 2021, with this particular trip expected to include 155 families, totaling 569 individuals, according to camp administration officials.

Long Road to Repatriation Since 2021

The repatriation of Iraqi refugees from Al-Hol to Jadaa began in 2021 as part of an agreement between the Iraqi government and the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES). This initiative came after local and international pressure to address the crisis of thousands of Iraqis stranded in Al-Hol, particularly due to the security and humanitarian challenges they face.

Jadaa Camp, located south of Mosul, was designated to receive returnees from Syria, offering a transitional space for rehabilitation before reintegration into their home communities. Thousands of individuals have already been transported with Iraqi authorities working to expedite the repatriation process under international pressure to find sustainable solutions.

Repatriation in Numbers

As of 9 February 2025, 21 mass repatriations have been conducted to return Iraqi refugees from Al-Hol Camp to Jadaa Camp.

A total of 2,860 families, consisting of approximately 11,400 people, have been relocated so far.

An estimated 15,000 Iraqis still reside in Al-Hol Camp.

Authorities plan to operate two trips per month to repatriate the remaining Iraqis, with the goal of emptying the camp of Iraqi nationals by 2027.

Exclusive Interviews with Refugees

In an interview with Syriac Press, Shukri al-Haji, an administrator at Al-Hol Camp, discussed the latest repatriation efforts. He stated, “Since the beginning of 2025, four repatriations have departed from Al-Hol. This is the 21st trip heading to Jadaa Camp in Mosul Governorate.”

Al-Haji also confirmed that efforts continue to facilitate the voluntary return of more Iraqi families from Al-Hol.

Refugee from Tikrit Shares His Story

Ahmad Abdullah Farhan Saleh, a refugee from Salah al-Din — Tikrit, has been living in Al-Hol since 2019. He described the hardships he endured in the camp, “My greatest suffering was during the winter when the tent I lived in couldn’t protect us from heavy rains.”

Ahmad recounted waiting for five years for the opportunity to leave the camp, describing it as an ordeal no one else could understand.

In 2020, he managed to get his wife and two children out of the camp, but he himself remained, along with other family members who were unable to leave. Now, he is among those scheduled to return on this journey. Expressing his relief, he said, “Finally, the day has come when I will return to my family.”

Ahmad had fled his home in Tikrit ten years ago due to the security situation caused by the Islamic State (ISIS). Now, after years of hardship, he looks forward to rebuilding his life in Iraq.

Challenges and Concerns

Despite the ongoing repatriation efforts, concerns persist regarding the reintegration of returnees into their home communities. Many returnees face potential accusations of ISIS affiliation due to family ties with former members of the extremist group. The return of some families has sparked apprehension among local communities in Iraq, prompting calls for stronger rehabilitation programs to ensure stability for returnees.

Additionally, the humanitarian situation in the camps remains dire, with a shortage of essential services and rising levels of internal violence. These factors highlight the urgent need for long-term solutions, whether through resettlement programs or reintegration initiatives for returnees in their hometowns.

The Iraqi government aims to repatriate all its citizens from Al-Hol Camp in the coming months, in continued cooperation with DAARNES. However, with persistent security and logistical challenges, the reintegration and future stability of returnees remain pressing issues for Iraqi authorities.

US Withdrawal of Aid for Camps

As repatriation efforts progress, new challenges have emerged that could significantly impact the stability of Al-Hol Camp. Reports indicate the potential cessation of US financial support for camps in North and East Syria. This move could drastically worsen living conditions, as many camp residents rely on international aid for survival.

Both residents and camp administrators fear that the withdrawal of US aid will exacerbate suffering, particularly as essential services like healthcare and education depend on international funding. There are also growing security concerns that ISIS sleeper cells might exploit the political change in Syria and attempt to destabilize the region.

With these new challenges, many refugees and local communities question whether their essential needs will be met in the absence of foreign aid. Others wonder if the Iraqi government or DAARNES can fully assume responsibility for funding, rehabilitation, and service provision if international support is withdrawn.

As these uncertainties unfold, the fate of thousands of Iraqi refugees in Al-Hol Camp remains unclear. However, the ongoing efforts by the DAARNES aim to find sustainable solutions for their plight, while hope for a better future in their homeland persists despite the numerous obstacles they continue to face.