A new flash survey conducted by the polling institute INSA has revealed a significant shift in public sentiment regarding Germany’s naturalisation policy for Syrian nationals. According to the results, a clear majority of respondents support a temporary halt to the naturalisation of Syrians, arguing that conditions in Syria are gradually stabilising and that long-term prospects should increasingly focus on the country’s reconstruction.
The survey, commissioned shortly after renewed political debate on asylum and return policy, indicates that 64% of those questioned are in favour of suspending naturalisation for Syrians for the time being. Only 16% oppose such a measure, while others either expressed no preference or declined to answer.
Public preference: no financial incentives for returning Syrians
The study also examined attitudes toward offering financial incentives for voluntary return—a policy occasionally proposed as a means to accelerate departures of rejected asylum seekers. The results show broad scepticism: 65% reject payments designed to encourage return, whereas only 20% support the idea.
Across the political spectrum, most voters view such incentives critically. While the level of rejection varies, ranging from mid-50% among left-leaning voters to significantly higher levels among conservative groups, the general trend is unmistakable: the majority of Germans prefer clear rules, predictable procedures and no additional monetary incentives.
Different views on Syria’s reconstruction
Respondents were also asked who should carry the main responsibility for rebuilding Syria, where although the civil war has officially ended, political instability and regional tensions remain.
The results show a divided yet consistent picture:
- 48% believe that Syrians themselves should lead the reconstruction efforts.
- 36% favour a shared responsibility between Syrians and international partners.
- Only a small minority sees the task primarily in the hands of foreign actors.
These findings suggest that many German voters view reconstruction not only as an international challenge but also as a central task for Syrian society itself.
Support across voter groups — with varying degrees of intensity
The survey highlights one striking element: support for a temporary halt to naturalisation is present across all major voter groups. The intensity varies — from comparatively cautious approval among voters of environmentally oriented or liberal parties to overwhelming support among more conservative or right-leaning groups — but the basic trend is consistent.
This broad alignment across political camps underscores how deeply embedded the topic of naturalisation and return policy has become in the wider public debate.
A snapshot of a changing national conversation
Germany has taken in several hundred thousand Syrians since 2015, many of whom have built new lives in the country, entered education or employment, and received residency rights under various legal frameworks. At the same time, political debates over naturalisation, integration benchmarks and return options have intensified as part of wider discussions about migration, fairness and administrative capacity.
The INSA survey offers a snapshot of this evolving debate. It suggests that a considerable part of the population supports:
- A more cautious approach to citizenship,
- No financial incentives to encourage returns,
- Greater emphasis on Syrian leadership in reconstruction,
- And clearer, more predictable migration policies overall.
While the poll does not predict upcoming legislation, it highlights a sentiment that is likely to influence political discussions in the months ahead.
