Germany Considers Repatriation of Syrian Migrants as Political Pressure Grows

Germany signals possible return of some Syrian migrants amid shifting politics

When Germany opened its borders to people fleeing conflict in the Middle East, more Syrians than any other nationality arrived — finding homes, getting jobs and starting families. That once-welcoming approach now faces a sharp turn as Chancellor Friedrich Merz and parts of his coalition press for repatriation of some Syrians living in Germany.

What German leaders are saying

Merz has said Berlin will address the issue "in a very concrete manner," arguing there are "no longer any grounds for asylum in Germany, and therefore we can also begin with repatriations." He has framed voluntary return as the priority but warned that those who refuse could face deportation. The chancellor said he invited Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa to Berlin to discuss the matter.

Scale and legal status of Syrians in Germany

About 1 million Syrians arrived during the 2015–2016 refugee influx under former chancellor Angela Merkel. Today roughly 1.3 million Syrians live in Germany, including an estimated 25,000 born in the country. By the end of 2023, more than 160,000 Syrians had obtained German citizenship, and hundreds of thousands hold temporary or permanent residence permits. Germany’s health system, for example, employs over 6,000 Syrian doctors.

Who would be affected?

Officials have indicated initial plans would target Syrians with criminal records, while citizens and permanent residents would not be required to leave. Many others live under temporary protection statuses (asylum, refugee or subsidiary protection), which allow work and access to benefits but leave residency conditional and subject to review.

Concerns, legal hurdles and the situation in Syria

The proposal has raised legal and ethical questions. Critics warn that Syria remains unstable and that returning people could face renewed violence or persecution. Since reports of regime change, roughly 1,300 Syrians — about 0.1% of those living in Germany — have voluntarily returned home, according to the interior ministry.

"Merz’s comments are heading in a direction that fuels right-wing desires to deport anyone who doesn’t fit their so-called idea of who belongs in Germany and that’s terrifying," said Rafif Dawoud, a Berlin-based architect and German citizen originally from Syria.

Akram al-Bunni, a Syrian activist jailed under the former regime, told reporters that German authorities must carefully consider the character of Syria’s new authorities and the security risks posed by uncontrolled weapons and factional violence.

Political context

The move away from Merkel-era "Willkommenskultur" — the welcoming culture that defined 2015 — is partly a reaction to the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which campaigned strongly on anti-migration policies and has pressured mainstream parties. The AfD finished second in the recent federal election, increasing political pressure on Merz's coalition to take a tougher stance on migration.

Some CDU politicians argue that a firmer migration policy is necessary to regain voters lost to the AfD, while left-leaning and humanitarian groups warn of the human cost and the practical, legal obstacles to mass deportations. The debate is ongoing and complex: it touches on legal status, Germany’s labor needs, international law and the evolving security and political situation inside Syria.

Bottom line: German authorities say they will prioritize voluntary returns and begin by targeting criminal offenders, but the proposal faces legal, logistical and moral challenges. Syrians settled in Germany and rights organizations are watching anxiously as the government clarifies concrete plans.