The Return publishes The Guide, a comprehensive resource created for members of the Assyrian-Chaldean-Syriac diaspora who are considering returning to settle in the homeland. This project was born from a shared conviction that returning and settling in Iraq should be a concrete and supported possibility.
The Guide is the result of substantial collaborative work carried out by a team of around ten contributors over more than a year. Drawing on diverse professional backgrounds and personal experiences, the team gathered, verified, and organized essential information to provide future returnees with a clear and practical roadmap.
The purpose of The Guide is simple: to bring together, in one place, the information needed to prepare for resettlement in Iraq. It helps readers evaluate their decision thoughtfully, prepare for the personal and professional changes involved in such a move, and understand the realities of daily life in the homeland. It addresses practical matters such as finding employment or housing, obtaining identity documents where possible, navigating administrative procedures, adapting to local conditions, and meeting everyday needs. It provides grounded guidance designed to support informed and responsible decision-making.
The Guide is structured into four chapters, available on our website. At the beginning of every chapter, readers will find a detailed table of contents that allows them to navigate directly to the section most relevant to their situation. Whether someone is still reflecting on the possibility of returning or is already preparing concrete steps, the structure makes it easy to access targeted information quickly and efficiently.
This publication represents an initial version of what is intended to become a living resource. The realities on the ground evolve, administrative frameworks change, and the needs of returnees develop over time. For this reason, The Guide will continue to be updated and expanded on an ongoing basis.
We warmly invite members of our community to share their feedback and suggestions so that this Guide can grow stronger and more useful. Those who wish to comment on The Guide or to initiate a return process are encouraged to contact us 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, Anmar, Anne, Sally, Anthony, Dilan.
Table of Contents: The Guide to the Homeland
Chapter 1: Understanding the situation and trends in Iraq
- 1. A Brief Historical Trajectory
- 2. Geography and Demographics
- 3. The Christian Presence in Iraq
- 4. Political Landscape
- 5. Security Considerations
- 6. Economy at a Glance
- Looking Forward
Chapter 2: Assessing and preparing your decision to return
- 1. Assessing your decision to return
- 2. Visiting Iraq once or more (before returning)
- 3. Managing Expectations: What Returning Really Feels Like
- 4. Iraqi Citizenship for Returnees & the Diaspora
- 1. Who Is Entitled to Iraqi Citizenship?
- 2. Paths to Iraqi Citizenship (Overview)
- 3. Important Note for Those Born Abroad
- 4. General Process for Diaspora Applicants
- 5. Commonly Requested Documents
- 6. Issuance of an Iraqi Birth Certificate (بيان ولادة)
- 7. Registration Inside Iraq (نفوس)
- 8. Citizenship Confirmation & Witnesses
- 9. Unified National ID Card
- 10. Acknowledgment of Parentage and Name Discrepancies
- 11. Residency Options for Those Without Iraqi Documentation
- 12. Optional but Useful Documents
- 13. Case Example
- 14. Final Notes & Disclaimer
- 5. Financial Assessment
- 6. Health Care and Social Security
- 7. Learning about the local cultural background (Understanding Local Cultural Norms)
- 8. From the desire to return to an actual returning project
Chapter 3: Getting started
- 1. Check Your Documents
- 2. What to Bring With You
- 3. Travel Insurance and Health Preparation
- 4. Packing and Shipping Your Belongings
- 5. Planning Your Travel and Arrival
- 6. Maintaining a Base Abroad vs. Shipping Your Belongings
- 7. Driving License Considerations
- 8. Informing Authorities in Your Country of Residence
- 9. Preparing Enough Cash
- 10. Arrival and Immediate Needs
Chapter 4: All you need when living in Iraq
- 1. Housing and Accommodation
- 2. Employment Considerations
- 1. Keeping a Remote Job
- 2. Iraqi Labour Market and the Public Sector
- 3. Private Sector and the Oil Economy
- 4. A Promising Education Sector for Returnees
- 5. The Current Situation of the NGO Sector
- 6. How to Look for a Job: The Importance of Networks
- 7. Focus on Job Offer Websites
- 8. Starting a Business and Investment Opportunities
- 3. Retirement and Social Security
- 4. Banking and Financial Services
- 5. Essential Services and Daily Utilities
- 6. Transportation and Mobility
- 7. Daily Life
- 8. Understanding Laws, Rights, and Responsibilities
- 9. Building a Social and Cultural Network
- 10. Challenges and Adaptation
- 11. Tourism: Returning Home and Rediscovering Iraq
- Final Thoughts
