Reyhanli, Hatay, Türkiye - Recent Hundreds of Syrians have crossed back into their home country since the border gates reopened earlier this month, sparking mixed reactions among Turkish residents over the economic and social effects of their departures. At the peak of the Syrian conflict, approximately 3.7 million Syrians sought refuge in Türkiye. Currently, it is estimated that around 3 million remain. Many are now preparing to return to their homeland following the sudden collapse of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government. Al-Assad has reportedly resigned and arrived in Russia for asylum as his government collapsed on Sunday following a sweeping offensive by militant groups. In the district of Reyhanli, situated in the Turkish border city of Hatay, Syrian refugees now constitute a larger population than the local residents. Over time, they have become integrated into the community, establishing businesses, opening stores, and contributing significantly to the local economy. Since the onset of the Syrian conflict, Türkiye has extended its hospitality to Syrian refugees. However, in recent years, rising anti-migrant sentiment, driven by economic challenges and surging inflation, has grown more pronounced. Others pointed out that Syrian migrants have brought economic benefits, particularly for homeowners and business owners in Reyhanli. However, he said, the departure of Syrians could ease overcrowding in schools. Although the return of Syrian refugees has commenced, the numbers remain negligible compared to the millions still residing in Türkiye. For those eager to repatriate, the process will require time. The broader economic and social impacts of this development are expected to become more apparent in the months and years ahead. Shotlist: Reyhanli, Hatay, Türkiye - Recent: 1. Aerial shot of city view; 2. People walking at border area; 3. Residents at market; 4. Shops; 5. SOUNDBITE (Turkish) Local resident (name not given) (partially overlaid with shot 6): "The city will be more comfortable, it will breathe, and the unemployed will find jobs if we look at the reality of the situation. Most people here are unemployed, but if the Syrians leave, there will be a gap, and the unemployed here will get jobs."; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 6. People talking on street; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 7. Traffic; 8. Various of pedestrians; 9. People shopping; 10. SOUNDBITE (Turkish) Local resident (name not given) (partially overlaid with shot 11): "About 80 percent of Reyhanli's people rely on Syrians. Reyhanli's people have benefited greatly from Syrians in every way."; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 11. People at market; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 12. People sitting; 13. SOUNDBITE (Turkish) Huseyin Yumusak, local head, Baglar neighborhood (partially overlaid with shot 14): "There will be no workers left here. For example, agricultural workers in the fields, those in workshops, restaurants—there will be problems everywhere. There are agricultural workers in the fields, workers in workshops and factories, for instance, construction workers. Syrians work for cheap. But our Turkish workers have become a little arrogant. They don't work for low wages."; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 14. People riding motorcycle; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 15. People on street; 16. SOUNDBITE (Turkish) Huseyin Yumusak, local head, Baglar neighborhood (partially overlaid with shot 17): "Each class has 40 to 60 students. If there were no Syrians, classes would have only 10 to 15 students. In that case, teachers would work more comfortably, principals would work more comfortably, and students would study more comfortably."; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 17. Various of students at school; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 18. Various of traffic. [Restriction - No access Chinese mainland]