Thousands of Syrian refugees are expected to return from Lebanon this week as part of the first UN supported initiative offering financial incentives.

Lebanese Social Affairs Minister Haneen Sayed said that each returning Syrian will receive $100 in Lebanon and $400 per family upon arrival in Syria. Transportation costs will be covered, and border fees have been waived, she added.

“I think it’s a good and important start. We have discussed and are coordinating this with our Syrian counterparts and I think the numbers will increase in the coming weeks,” Sayed said.

(Reuters)