BERLIN — Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz discussed the possibility of Syrian refugees returning to their homeland during a meeting Monday with Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, suggesting their skills are crucial for rebuilding efforts following years of devastating civil war.
Syria continues working to reconstruct its economy and infrastructure after a brutal conflict that claimed nearly half a million lives and caused extensive damage before ending with Bashar Assad’s removal from power in December 2024.
The prolonged conflict forced massive numbers of Syrians to seek refuge abroad, with Germany becoming a preferred destination. The country currently houses more than 900,000 Syrian citizens, many of whom have obtained German citizenship in recent years.
Merz’s administration, which assumed power nearly 11 months ago, has prioritized reducing overall migration and increasing deportations of migrants without legal status.
During al-Sharaa’s inaugural visit, Merz stressed Germany’s immediate focus on deporting Syrian criminals. “We have a small group here, but a group that causes us problems, of Syrians who have offended whom we now urgently want to repatriate,” he stated during a press briefing.
“In the longer perspective of the next three years, that … was the wish of President al-Sharaa, about 80% of the Syrians currently living in Germany should return to their homeland,” Merz continued. “We have an interest in those who live here, want to stay and are well-integrated … that these people stay in Germany. But many who are here are needed at home.”
Al-Sharaa did not validate the 80% projection. Instead, he highlighted that Germany’s Syrian population includes “6,000 doctors working in hospitals, and more than a quarter of a million people who pay taxes and contribute actively to the German economy,” calling them “common national assets” for both nations.
“Therefore, we are working with our friends in the German government to establish a circular immigration model that allows skilled Syrians to contribute to the reconstruction of their motherland without giving up their stability and the lives they built here, for those who wish to stay,” al-Sharaa explained.
The Syrian leader also participated in a German-Syrian business roundtable in Berlin while seeking assistance for his nation’s recovery efforts.
“You can count on Germany’s support on the way to a good future,” Merz assured al-Sharaa. “Success is more important than ever in view of the ongoing war in Iran in this region.”
