For Syrians living in Germany, the question arises: What are the political plans, what is legally possible—and what specific changes are now taking place?
Syria opposes forced deportations
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Schaibani has spoken out clearly against forced deportations. On the platform X, he stated that Syria firmly rejects “any attempts at forced deportation.” He added that Syrians living abroad are an important resource for their homeland’s reconstruction.
According to the minister, the Syrian government is working with international partners to rebuild the country’s infrastructure. This is intended to create the conditions necessary to enable a voluntary and dignified return, al-Schaibani said.
Return to Syria: Controversy Over the 80 Percent Threshold
The debate was sparked by the visit of Syrian Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa to Berlin a few weeks ago. Following a meeting with Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), there was public discussion of a goal under which approximately 80 percent of the more than 900,000 Syrians living in Germany are to return to Syria over the next three years.
The statement caused confusion. Some observers interpreted Merz as saying that the German government was aiming for that figure. Later, the chancellor clarified that the figure had been cited by the Syrian president. Al-Sharaa disputed this account. He explained that the return of refugees was closely linked to the reconstruction of Syria.
Al-Scharaa had also previously emphasized that refugees should not simply be sent back to Syria. Such a policy could deter people and even trigger new waves of migration. Instead, the right to a free and voluntary return must be upheld. Only once living conditions have stabilized can a large-scale return be organized in a meaningful way.
What are Germany's plans regarding deportations to Syria?
Since the end of the Syrian civil war in December 2024, there has been increasing discussion in Germany about whether deportations to Syria should once again be permitted. The protection status of Syrian refugees has also returned to the forefront of the debate.
In its coalition agreement, the federal government (CDU/CSU and SPD) has agreed to resume deportations to Syria in principle. Initially, this will primarily concern criminals and individuals posing a security threat.
Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) has also spoken out on several occasions in favor of resuming regular deportations to Syria. According to him, talks with Syria have recently been taking place at the “technical level.” These discussions reportedly focused on practical issues, such as identity checks, travel documents, and the reception of the affected individuals in Syria.
At the same time, Dobrindt emphasized that a distinction must be made between different groups. Speaking to the Rheinische Post, he said, “We must distinguish between people who are well-integrated and working, and those who are not eligible for asylum and who live on social benefits.”
In December 2025, the German government resumed deportations to Syria. So far, however, such deportations have been carried out only on a very small scale. They have affected only convicted criminals. According to current information, there are no plans for a large-scale deportation of Syrian nationals who have not committed any crimes.
Every deportation must be reviewed on a case-by-case basis
It is important to note that deportation must not be decided solely on political grounds. Each case must always be examined individually. Germany and the EU must not return people to a country where they face the risk of torture, inhuman treatment, persecution, war, or any other serious threat to their life or physical integrity.
Therefore, it is not only the general situation in Syria or the political debate in Germany that is decisive. The individual’s personal circumstances are also important. These include, for example, their immigration status in Germany, whether grounds for protection still exist, and whether they would face a concrete threat if they returned to Syria.
Voluntary return is encouraged
Germany is currently placing greater emphasis on voluntary return programs than on deportations. Syrians who wish to return to Syria permanently may receive financial assistance under certain conditions.
One important program is REAG/GARP. It is coordinated by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). According to the BAMF, applications for this type of assistance must be submitted before departure. However, there is no guaranteed entitlement to support.
These programs can be used, for example, to cover travel expenses or provide start-up assistance in the country of origin. The amount of assistance provided depends on the individual case. As a rule, the BAMF can provide up to 1,700 euros per person or up to 4,000 euros per family.
Recently, various media outlets have also reported that the federal government is considering a higher return bonus. A possible lump sum of 8,000 euros is under discussion. However, no decision has been made on such a bonus yet.
German government rejects fact-finding trips to Syria
Another key issue in the debate over repatriation is fact-finding trips to Syria. Many Syrians living in Germany want to know, before making a final decision to return, what the situation in their home country is really like and whether returning would be a realistic option for them and their families.
However, under current law, such trips are difficult to arrange. Anyone with protected status who travels to Syria risks having their protected status reviewed or revoked by the authorities. This is because a trip to the country of origin can be interpreted as an indication that protection in Germany is no longer necessary.
That is why some politicians are calling for temporary visits home to be permitted. Those affected could then assess the situation on the ground without immediately jeopardizing their protected status. However, no such regulation currently exists.
The CDU/CSU and the AfD, in particular, oppose travel to Syria for exploratory purposes. Therefore, the following still applies: Anyone with protected status who wishes to travel to Syria should first check what consequences this Residence permit for their Residence permit . It is also advisable Foreigners' office the relevant Foreigners' office in advance to inquire whether a trip to one’s home country is possible.
