Back to Syria? Merz calls for deportations for Syrians who are unwilling to return!

Back to Syria? Merz calls for deportations for Syrians who are unwilling to return!

In a recent visit to Harasta, Syria, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul found clear words about the situation of Syrian refugees in Germany. He emphasized that “hardly any people can live with dignity here,” which was met with irritation within the Union faction. This came as Chancellor Friedrich Merz took the stand and declared that he no longer sees any reason for asylum in Germany now that the civil war in Syria is almost over. Merz also said that those who refuse to return to Syria will face deportations. These statements have provoked strong criticism from the coalition partners SPD, the Greens and the Left.

The numbers speak their own language: Around 951,406 Syrians currently live in Germany, they represent the third largest foreign population group. If you compare that with the status at the end of 2024, 975,060 people were registered with Syrian citizenship. Naturalizations in 2024 are 83,185, the highest number among all nationalities and show that the interest of Syrian refugees in creating a stable place for themselves in Germany is strong. Over the years, the trend in naturalization has been increasing: from 6,700 in 2020 to over 75,500 in 2023.

Syrian doctors in focus

Another interesting point is the professional integration of Syrians. In April 2025, 299,730 Syrians were employed, of which 249,000 had jobs subject to social security contributions. There are even 7,042 Syrian doctors among them, who make up the largest group of foreign doctors in Germany. Many of these doctors bring valuable expertise with them, but a survey shows that three quarters of them are considering returning to Syria.

Around 80,000 Syrians work in so-called bottleneck jobs that are difficult to fill in Germany. These are professions in which there is a great need. Nevertheless, the discussion about deportations is loud: 920 people from Syria are obliged to leave the country without a toleration status, and 9,780 with a toleration status. According to government plans, particularly delinquent Syrians should be deported more quickly; including 55 who are considered dangerous.

The return to Syria

The Federal Government supports the return to Syria: almost 3,000 people have already returned to their homeland since the fall of Bashar al-Assad. This raises questions, especially in view of the critical voices from within our own ranks. The coalition partners are vehemently opposed to the rigorous return plans, especially as the security situation remains worrying.

The ongoing discussions about refugees and migration are a hot topic in German politics. Opposition to Merz and Wadephul's statements will certainly not die down, and the situation in Syria remains a hotly contested issue that will continue to generate much debate.