Hundreds of Syrian refugees in Tripoli lined up Saturday to claim free tickets to Damascus, offered by the Syrian authorities.
By midday, more than 700 Syrians, many long-term residents in Libya, had collected travel passes to return home.
The initiative, launched by the Syrian foreign ministry, has drawn thousands since its announcement, easing travel amid years of displacement.
Refugees expressed cautious optimism about returning, citing lingering instability but hoping to rebuild lives and contribute to post-war reconstruction.
A symbolic reopening of Syria’s embassy in Tripoli in mid-August facilitated the travel arrangement, though consular services remain unavailable.
Thousands of Syrians have lived in Libya for decades, with numbers swelling since the civil war began in 2011, many seeking passage to Europe.
The free-ticket program offers a rare opportunity for refugees to return legally, amid complex diplomatic and logistical barriers.
