# The Return ## Posts - [[Portrait] Marly was still in middle school when his family decided to return](https://the-return.co/portrait-marly-was-still-in-middle-school-when-his-family-decided-to-return/): Marly's family had moved to Sweden, like many migrants did in the 1990s. He was born there and has his earliest memories... - [[Portrait] Manar returned from Sweden and opened a trendy café in Ankawa](https://the-return.co/portrait-manar-returned-from-sweden-and-opened-a-trendy-cafe-in-ankawa/): Manar is part of our large Swedish diaspora. Born in Ankawa, he grew up in Stockholm before returning to settle in his hometown... - [[Portrait] Joe wanted to experience life in Iraq after several trips there](https://the-return.co/portrait-joe-wanted-to-experience-life-in-iraq-after-several-trips-there/): Portrait #10 - Joe is a reporter who was born and raised in the United States to an Assyrian mother and an American father... - [Artwork from Iraq Featured at Shared Stories Art Expo 2026 in Australia](https://the-return.co/artwork-from-iraq-featured-at-shared-stories-art-expo-2026-in-australia/): Artwork by local artist and architect Basma Bazzoee is being featured at the Shared Stories Art Expo 2026... - [The Return Brings Art to the Heart of Ankawa](https://the-return.co/the-return-brings-art-to-the-heart-of-ankawa/): The Return has launched its first art exhibition at The Space in Ankawa, featuring the work of the young artist and architect Basma... - [Iraq’s New ID Policy: What It Means for Iraqis Living Abroad](https://the-return.co/iraqs-new-id-policy-what-it-means-for-iraqis-living-abroad/): Recent regulations (Official statements and Letters) by the Iraqi Ministry of Interior, published in the Official Gazette... - [The Return Launches The Guide to the Homeland!](https://the-return.co/the-return-launches-the-guide-to-the-homeland/): The Return publishes The Guide, a comprehensive resource created for members of the Assyrian-Chaldean-Syriac diaspora... - [[Portrait] Rita reconnected with Mosul after the war and co-founded The Return](https://the-return.co/portrait-rita-reconnected-with-mosul-after-the-war-and-co-founded-the-return/): Portrait #9 - Rita is a true Mosul native, born into an old local family. But the 2003 war and the chaos of the 2000s... - [[Portrait] Firas returned with his family after 42 years in Canada and the US](https://the-return.co/portrait-firas-returned-with-his-family-after-42-years-in-canada-and-the-us/): Portrait #8 - Firas was born in Iraq, but his family moved to Canada when he was very young... - [[Portrait] Peter moved to Iraq after spending his entire life in London](https://the-return.co/portrait-peter-moved-to-iraq-after-spending-his-entire-life-in-london/): Portrait #7 - Peter was born in London, just a few months after his parents, originally from Duhok and Tesqopa... - [[Portrait] Atorena has returned from Chicago with her husband and two children](https://the-return.co/portrait-atorena-has-returned-from-chicago-with-her-husband-and-two-children/): Portrait #6 - Born and raised in Chicago, Atorena visited her parents' homeland... - [[Portrait] Dr. Nicholas began his journey back to his homeland at the age of 18](https://the-return.co/portrait-dr-nicholas-began-his-journey-back-to-his-homeland-at-the-age-of-18/): Portrait #5 - When Nicholas Al-Jeloo began his journey back to his homeland at the age of 18, having known only Australia... - [Rita Khalaf: A Returnee Architect Bridging Baghdad, Erbil and Mosul](https://the-return.co/rita-khalaf-a-returnee-architect-bridging-baghdad-erbil-and-mosul/): Rita Khalaf, a board member of The Return and a returnee architect, recently took part in two major events in Iraq... - [Daniel Sada Urges Homeland Return at Sydney Conference](https://the-return.co/daniel-sada-urges-homeland-return-at-sydney-conference/): On June 30, 2025, Daniel Sada, an Assyrian-American from California, stood before a packed hall... - [The Return Speaks at the European Parliament on the Future of Iraq’s Christians](https://the-return.co/the-return-speaks-at-the-european-parliament-on-the-future-of-iraqs-christians/): On June 19, 2025, Dilan Adamat, founder of The Return, addressed the European Parliament... - [[Portrait] Ornina made the decision to move from Canada to Erbil](https://the-return.co/portrait-ornina-made-the-decision-to-move-from-canada-to-erbil/): Portrait #4 - Ornina decided to settle in Iraq after visiting the country for the first time with Gishru in 2023... - [Considerations for assessing your decision to return](https://the-return.co/considerations-when-assessing-your-decision-to-return/): Returning to your homeland after years, or even a lifetime, abroad is a profound and deeply personal decision... - [The Space Hosts First Event: A Business Lecture on Entrepreneurship](https://the-return.co/the-space-hosts-first-event-a-business-lecture-on-entrepreneurship/): On March 25th, The Space, the coworking office opened by The Return in Ankawa, Iraq, hosted its first event... - [The Return opens "The Space", a coworking area in Ankawa](https://the-return.co/the-return-opens-the-space-a-coworking-area-in-ankawa/): The Return has opened "The Space" in Ankawa with the objective of providing support to returnees... - [[Portrait] Noor is a pioneer of the return movement](https://the-return.co/portrait-noor-is-a-pioneer-of-the-return-movement/): Portrait #3 - After finishing his studies in Detroit in the 2000s, Noor decided to visit Iraq and ended up staying there. - [France 24 covers our return movement in a 12-minute report](https://the-return.co/france-24-covers-our-return-movement-in-a-12-minute-report/): The Return was recently featured in a 12-minute report on France 24. The international TV channel covered... - [How to obtain an Iraq birth certificate in the USA](https://the-return.co/how-to-obtain-an-iraq-birth-certificate-in-the-usa/): Navigating the path to Iraqi citizenship can be a significant journey, especially for individuals born in the USA with... - [The Hub, an ambitious project for returnees](https://the-return.co/the-hub-an-ambitious-project-for-returnees/): The Return introduces The Hub, an ambitious and transformative project with the objective of becoming a central... - [[Portrait] Rabel, came back from Australia with his family](https://the-return.co/portrait-rabel-came-back-from-australia-with-his-family/): Portrait #2 - Rabel has returned from Australia to resettle in Iraq with his family. Originally from Ankawa... - [[Portrait] Melinda, the returning entrepreneur](https://the-return.co/portrait-melinda-the-returning-entrepreneur/): Potrait #1 - Melinda, from Urmia to Modesto, she finally decided to gradually return and settle in Ankawa, Iraq. - [Up to 90% of Iraq's Christian population has declined in 20 years](https://the-return.co/up-to-90-of-iraqs-christian-population-has-declined-in-20-years/): In the rich tapestry of Iraq's cultural and religious diversity, the Christian community has long been a vibrant - [Large numbers of people from the diaspora visit Iraq for Akitu](https://the-return.co/large-numbers-of-people-from-the-diaspora-visit-iraq-for-akitu/): As spring adorns the landscape in vibrant colors, more and more Suraye from the diaspora, including people - [The Return's first press quote, in the French daily La Croix](https://the-return.co/the-returns-first-press-quote-in-the-french-daily-la-croix/): “It’s time to come back.” This is the slogan of the NGO “The Return.” A blue and white logo represents the ## Pages - [Donation](https://the-return.co/donation/): Donate Now! Your donations enable us to help returnees in their decision to resettle in the homeland. They fund initiatives by young people from the diaspora, families, retirees and investors who want to rebuild their homeland. The money will be used to support them, house them, help them invest in land, send their children to school and advise them on developing their business. In the future, we will be creating a genuine return ecosystem, so that every returnee can flourish and contribute to the development of the region. — For crypto donations, please use our addresses: BTC: bc1q3yaqurfnu6hnqa6vsw9g83mh26rkttp5jg03r9 USDT (Tron): TEsRDVrrYy8roYabxrGbedkTGotTMbyvDc - [Checkout](https://the-return.co/checkout/) - [Cart](https://the-return.co/cart/) - [Chapter 4: All you need when living in Iraq](https://the-return.co/guide/guide4/): If you have any comments or suggestions about the Guide, or if you would like to initiate your return process, please contact us by email at info@the-return.co Living in Iraq today is a layered experience. It can be rewarding, affordable, socially rich, and deeply meaningful, but it also requires adaptability, patience, and realistic expectations. This chapter provides a practical overview of housing, work, services, daily life, and opportunities for connection, helping you build a stable and fulfilling life in Iraq. 1. Housing and Accommodation 1. Renting in Ankawa and Erbil (Detailed Overview) Why Ankawa? Ankawa, located on the outskirts of Erbil, - [Chapter 3: Getting Started](https://the-return.co/guide/guide3/): If you have any comments or suggestions about the Guide, or if you would like to initiate your return process, please contact us by email at info@the-return.co Returning to Iraq begins long before you arrive. This chapter covers the practical steps to take before departure, helping you prepare documents, finances, logistics, and expectations so your transition is as smooth as possible. 1. Check Your Documents Before making travel arrangements, ensure that all essential documents are in order. Always check the most recent entry requirements before traveling, as regulations may change. 2. What to Bring With You Preparing what you physically bring - [Chapter 2: Assessing and preparing your decision to return](https://the-return.co/guide/guide2/): If you have any comments or suggestions about the Guide, or if you would like to initiate your return process, please contact us by email at info@the-return.co Returning to Iraq is not a single decision, but a process. It often unfolds over time through visits, conversations, reflection, and trial. This chapter is designed to help you think critically and honestly about what returning might look like for you, emotionally, practically, and legally, before you take the next steps. 1. Assessing your decision to return Returning to your homeland after years, or even a lifetime, abroad is a profound and deeply personal decision. - [Chapter 1: Understanding the situation an trends in Iraq](https://the-return.co/guide/guide1/): If you have any comments or suggestions about the Guide, or if you would like to initiate your return process, please contact us by email at info@the-return.co Modern Iraq is a relatively young state, having emerged in the early 20th century. In just over a century, it has flown nine different flags and undergone repeated political transformations. Today, Iraq has a population exceeding 46 million people, spread across 19 governorates, making it one of the most populous countries in the Middle East. Notably, at least 64% of the population is under the age of 30, making Iraq one of the youngest - [newsPage](https://the-return.co/news/newspage/) - [Engage](https://the-return.co/engage/): Engage Return Migration Return migration is a complex process, the pace and possibilities of which are unique to each individual. There are many solutions for those who want to get involved in this movement. Visit the country, invest, move, help, spread the idea, etc. We need everyone’s help to build a better future. Here are some ways to get engaged. Visit your homeland for the first time with one of the organizations that offer these trips. Obtain or update your Iraqi identity documents so that you and your children can travel freely in the country. Buy a house or apartment so - [News](https://the-return.co/news/): Articles - [Guide](https://the-return.co/guide/): The Guide to the Homeland Start your return journey with our Guide! How to prepare for your departure, what administrative formalities to carry out, how to find work or invest: all the answers to your questions can be found here. And don’t forget to contact us to discuss your project! If you have any comments or suggestions about the Guide, or if you would like to initiate your return process, please contact us by email at info@the-return.co A big thank you to everyone who contributed in any way to the writing of this Guide: Rita, Matti, Ornina, Maryam, Dany, Peter, Joe, - [About Us](https://the-return.co/about-us/): About Us A word from the Founder Our community is one of the oldest in Mesopotamia. At the crossroads of civilizations, we have always been a bridge between the worlds that meet between the two rivers. Today, this population is in a critical situation, on the brink of potential extinction, which would be catastrophic for the history of the Middle East. Maintaining the ancestral diversity of this part of the world is everyone’s responsibility. Recognizing this, we created The Return, a non-profit organization that addresses the specific needs of returnees. Deciding to return is never a simple choice, nor a straight - [Home](https://the-return.co/): What is The Return? “The Return” is an international non-profit organisation registered in France and Iraq, whose aim is to promote, accompany, enable and facilitate the return of Christians and other minorities from Iraq and the Middle East to their homeland in order to maintain the cultural, religious and civilisational diversity of the region. Promote Support Enable Facilitate Latest Articles See All Instagram Feed Follow us on Instagram! July 18, 2026 Manar is part of our large Swedish diaspora. Born in Ankawa, he grew up in Stockholm before returning to settle… July 17, 2026 The language barrier can be an additional ## Optional - [Agent (MCP protocol)](websites-agents.hostinger.com/the-return.co/mcp) [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)