The invention provides a process for the recovery of HCl from a dilute solution thereof, comprising: a) bringing a dilute aqueous HCl solution into contact with a substantially immiscible extractant, said extractant comprising: 1) an oil soluble amine which amine is substantially water insoluble both in free and in salt form; 2) an oil soluble organic acid which acid is substantially water insoluble both in free and in salt form; and 3) a solvent for the amine and organic acid; whereupon HCl selectively transfers to said extractant to form an HCl-carrying extractant; and b) treating said HCl-carrying extractant to obtain gaseous HCl.