German Chancellor Plans Talks with Syrian President on Refugee Repatriation
Syrian President Ahmed al-Scharaa is set to visit Germany next week for high-level discussions with German officials, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The primary focus of these meetings will be the potential return of Syrian refugees currently residing in Germany to their home country, as confirmed by Germany's Deputy Government Spokesperson, Sebastian Hille.
Since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime in late 2024 by a coalition led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Syria has experienced a significant shift in its political landscape. Ahmed al-Scharaa, formerly the leader of HTS, has held the presidency since the end of the civil conflict that spanned nearly 14 years.
The German government has reiterated its commitment to supporting Syria's reconstruction efforts. However, there are ongoing debates, particularly within Germany's conservative parties, regarding the return of Syrian nationals who sought refuge in Germany during the Assad era. Over 700,000 Syrians currently live in Germany, most of whom possess temporary residency permits.
According to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, nearly 6,000 Syrians applied for financial assistance to return home by the end of last year, with approximately 3,700 having already left Germany. Support for voluntary repatriation includes coverage for travel costs, initial resettlement aid, and, when necessary, medical expenses. Those who return independently without official support are not included in these statistics.
In recent months, Germany has resumed limited deportations to Syria. These measures are currently restricted to individuals classified as criminal offenders or security risks. The first deportation under the new policy occurred shortly before Christmas.
Meanwhile, organizations advocating for refugee rights, such as Pro Asyl, have voiced concerns about the decreasing approval rates for asylum applications from Syrian, Afghan, and Iranian nationals. They argue that the human rights environment in these countries remains dire, with the new Syrian leadership accused of employing repressive tactics similar to the previous regime. Pro Asyl has criticized the political motives behind Germany's asylum policies, warning that the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees may be increasingly focused on rejecting applications rather than granting protection.
Statistical data reflects a noticeable decline in initial asylum applications from Syrians in Germany, dropping from nearly 77,000 in 2024 to around 23,000 following the change in Syrian leadership. The processing of these applications had been temporarily suspended but has since resumed for certain groups. Last year, the Federal Office decided on approximately 25,300 cases, with about 9,600 resulting in rejections. Hearings for asylum seekers are ongoing, except for those from ethnic and religious minorities whose safety remains in question under the current Syrian government.
The upcoming visit by President al-Scharaa is seen as a pivotal moment in shaping future migration policies between Germany and Syria, as both countries navigate the balance between humanitarian responsibilities and national interests.