Germany wants to make voluntary return of Syrian refugees easier—FM
(MENAFN) German authorities are working to create conditions that would allow Syrian refugees to return to their homeland on a voluntary basis, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Tuesday.
“Syrians should be encouraged to return voluntarily and enabled to do so, so they can rebuild their country,” Wadephul stated at a press briefing in Berlin, emphasizing alignment with Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the approach.
He added that the government is negotiating with Syrian officials regarding deportations of individuals who have committed crimes or pose a threat to public safety, while also seeking to support Syria’s economic recovery to make return feasible.
“We are going to convene the German-Syrian Business Council. This means my Syrian counterpart will be coming here. We will both lead it, and we will work concretely to ensure that this country has a chance to move forward and that we rebuild the neighborhoods. This will take some time,” Wadephul said.
He noted that if voluntary returns do not materialize, the state could pursue expulsions for Syrians without legal status, employment, or residence permits.
“Germany has been very hospitable to many Syrians and has a legitimate interest in expecting those who found refuge here—supported by German taxpayers—to be prepared to return home if conditions allow and if they don't have employment and accommodation here,” he said.
“That's perfectly normal. We would like to facilitate this, and if it doesn't happen voluntarily, then there is also the possibility of the state initiating it—that's completely clear and beyond question,” he added.
Wadephul’s remarks follow criticism within his party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), after he expressed concerns about repatriation given the damage in Syria. During a visit to Harasta, a Damascus suburb, he noted the extensive destruction caused by the civil war and said that returns are currently limited.
Chancellor Merz stressed that the government is working with Syrian authorities to support economic recovery, reconstruction, and repatriation. “The civil war in Syria is over. There are no longer any grounds for asylum in Germany, and therefore we can begin repatriations,” he said, adding that individuals refusing to return could face expulsion soon.
Germany hosts over 700,000 Syrian refugees, mostly under temporary permits, with the total Syrian-background population—including permanent residents and dual citizens—approaching 1.3 million, according to official estimates.
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