BEIRUT — The second group of Syrian refugees in Lebanon might be heading home from the border town of Arsal on July 7 if all goes according to plan. Arsal's mayor, Bassel al-Hujeiri, told Al-Monitor, “The number of displaced in Arsal alone exceeds 40,000. Those who want to return to Syria will be divided into batches. The second wave will leave July 7 if the Syrian authorities approve the 500 names and if the return is voluntary and based on [the Syrians’] request.” The refugees' return to Syria has sparked controversy in Lebanon and has led to friction between the Lebanese Foreign Ministry and the UN refugee agency the UNHCR.

Lebanese General Security had accompanied the first convoy of displaced Syrians bound for home on June 28, leaving them at the Zemrani border crossing. The UNHCR, which worked at the Arsal refugee camp, had been in contact with the 294 Syrians about returning and had coordinated with the security forces.

Beirut and Damascus are currently coordinating to organize the voluntary return of the displaced. Lebanese General Security received some 3,000 applications from those seeking to return. Most are waiting for approval from Syrian authorities.

There are no official or accurate figures on Syrian refugees in Lebanon, but they are estimated to number more than 1.5 million. The displacement has been an economic, social and environmental burden on Lebanon. In addition, employment opportunities for the Lebanese have also dropped with employers preferring Syrians, who accept lower wages and fewer benefits.