Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz says he and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa are aiming for roughly 80 percent of Syrians in Germany to go back home over the next three years.
The announcement came after their meeting in Berlin on Wednesday.
“Looking ahead over the next three years – as Sharaa has expressed his hope – around 80% of Syrians currently residing in Germany are expected to return to their home country,” Merz said, per the BBC. He added that the process would begin with those “who no longer have a valid residence rights,” especially criminal offenders.
Merz and Sharaa noted that some Syrians would remain in Germany, particularly doctors and carers, citing their value to German society. “We are proud that Syrians have learned very quickly to contribute to society,” Sharaa said. He Laid out the plans for a “circular” migration model, allowing Syrians to help rebuild their homeland while keeping the stability they’ve established in Germany.
The push comes more than a year after the Syrian civil war officially ended. Merz said the situation in Syria has “now changed fundamentally” and that “the need for protection must therefore be reassessed.”
During the conflict, nearly a million Syrians sought refuge in Germany, most arriving during the 2015 refugee crisis under former Chancellor Angela Merkel, who famously declared, “Wir schaffen das,” or “We’ll manage this.” The mass arrivals later fueled the rise of right-wing populists parties, including the AfD, which has pushed stricter policies across Europe.
Sharaa’s visit has sparked protests, particularly from the Kurdish Community in Germany, which demanded Germany secure commitments on minority protections in Syria. The group has accused Sharaa of human rights abuses and war crimes.
Franziska Brantner of the growing Green Party said that returning isn’t feasible for many Syrians due to poor infrastructure and security concerns.
The announcement came after their meeting in Berlin on Wednesday.
“Looking ahead over the next three years – as Sharaa has expressed his hope – around 80% of Syrians currently residing in Germany are expected to return to their home country,” Merz said, per the BBC. He added that the process would begin with those “who no longer have a valid residence rights,” especially criminal offenders.
Merz and Sharaa noted that some Syrians would remain in Germany, particularly doctors and carers, citing their value to German society. “We are proud that Syrians have learned very quickly to contribute to society,” Sharaa said. He Laid out the plans for a “circular” migration model, allowing Syrians to help rebuild their homeland while keeping the stability they’ve established in Germany.
The push comes more than a year after the Syrian civil war officially ended. Merz said the situation in Syria has “now changed fundamentally” and that “the need for protection must therefore be reassessed.”
During the conflict, nearly a million Syrians sought refuge in Germany, most arriving during the 2015 refugee crisis under former Chancellor Angela Merkel, who famously declared, “Wir schaffen das,” or “We’ll manage this.” The mass arrivals later fueled the rise of right-wing populists parties, including the AfD, which has pushed stricter policies across Europe.
Sharaa’s visit has sparked protests, particularly from the Kurdish Community in Germany, which demanded Germany secure commitments on minority protections in Syria. The group has accused Sharaa of human rights abuses and war crimes.
Franziska Brantner of the growing Green Party said that returning isn’t feasible for many Syrians due to poor infrastructure and security concerns.
