The German government has re-ignited a highly sensitive debate: whether it is time to resume deportations to Syria more than a decade after the beginning of the civil war. During a visit to Husum in northern Germany, Chancellor Friedrich Merz argued that conditions in the country have changed enough to justify a new policy approach — a statement that immediately sparked strong reactions across the political spectrum.
Merz said he intends to pursue direct talks with Syria’s transitional president Ahmed al-Sharaa, whom he has invited to Germany to discuss new agreements on returns.
Government argues conditions allow for returns — critics dispute that view
According to Merz, the armed conflict in Syria has largely subsided, meaning that asylum claims based solely on the civil war are no longer justified. He emphasised that Syria needs its citizens, particularly those trained and integrated in Germany, to rebuild.
“We must begin with returns. Many will go back voluntarily, others can be returned once agreements are secured,” Merz said.
However, not everyone in government is convinced. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul recently visited Syria and described entire neighbourhoods as still devastated, raising doubts that large-scale voluntary returns are realistic in the near future.
Despite defending Germany’s welcome to Syrians who contribute to society, his remarks drew criticism from parts of his own party, who accuse him of sending mixed signals.
Who would be affected first?
German authorities distinguish between several groups:
- Rejected asylum seekers without any tolerated status
- Individuals convicted of criminal offenses — priority for deportation
- Syrian nationals willing to return voluntarily
According to the Interior Ministry, around 920 Syrians are currently obliged to leave without suspended status. In total, 951,406 Syrian nationals live in Germany, most of whom hold protection status.
The suspension of deportations to Syria, in place since 2012, was originally justified by the unstable security situation. Any change would require formal diplomatic arrangements.
Political backdrop: power shift in Damascus and renewed talks
Since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad by the Islamist militia HTS nearly a year ago, transitional president al-Sharaa has been steering Syria toward closer ties with Western countries, Syrian state media report. A visit to Washington is reportedly planned.
German policymakers believe these developments could open the door to limited cooperation, beginning with the return of criminal offenders and later expanding to those without legal residency.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt referred to commitments already included in the coalition agreement: “We have started deportations to Afghanistan again — now we are working on similar arrangements with Syria.”
The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees has resumed processing priority asylum cases of young, employable males, with an eye toward determining their long-term residence prospects.
Voluntary returns remain rare
Across Europe, an estimated one million Syrians have returned to their country — mostly from neighbouring states and under varying circumstances.
From Germany, the number is modest: around 2,000 voluntary returns so far, according to CDU whip Steffen Bilger.
Supporters of stronger return policies argue that restoration requires those who once fled. Opponents warn that safety assessments must remain strict and independent, and that rebuilding responsibility cannot replace humanitarian protection.
A debate likely to intensify
Experts anticipate legal, diplomatic and ethical hurdles before any physical deportations resume. Syria’s internal situation remains fluid, international sanctions are still in place, and Germany faces close scrutiny from human rights organisations.
What remains clear is that the discussion reflects broader migration policy tensions in Germany: balancing integration successes at home with expectations of political change abroad.
