First group of Syrians leaves Egypt for Damascus

The first group of Syrians residing in Egypt departed Cairo yesterday through the Nuweiba Port in the east of the country, heading to their homeland via Jordan, Anadolu reported.

“The first group of Syrians returning to their country departed today from Nuweiba Port aboard a ferry carrying 40 passengers,” the Red Sea Ports Authority said in a statement.

“The Syrian group was transported by buses from their residences in Cairo to the port through a Jordanian company, and all inspection and passport procedures were completed at the port,” it added

The ferry will take them to Aqaba Port in Jordan, after which they will be transferred to the Jaber border crossing between Jordan and Syria to return to their homes.

Egypt hosts more than 792,000 registered refugees and asylum seekers from 62 nationalities, according to a statement by the UNHCR. However, unofficial estimates indicate that around nine million refugees reside in Egypt, including approximately 1.5 million Syrians.

Syria: New mass grave uncovered in Homs province