Merz calls on Syrians to return home from Germany

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced plans to repatriate a significant portion of Syrian nationals currently living in Germany, according to Welt.

He stated that over the next three years, up to 80% of the more than 900,000 Syrians residing in the country should return to Syria.

“In the long term, over the next three years—and this is also the wish of President al-Sharaa—around 80% of Syrians currently living in Germany should return to their homeland,” Merz said at a press conference in Berlin alongside Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa.

The two sides agreed to establish a joint working group comprising representatives from Germany’s development and interior ministries, as well as the chancellor’s office. A German delegation is expected to visit Syria in the coming days for an exploratory mission.

Merz emphasised that conditions in Syria have significantly improved following the end of the war, meaning that the need for protection should now be reassessed.

“This also means that those who no longer have the right to remain in Germany will have to leave,” the chancellor stated.

At the same time, he noted that Syrians who have successfully integrated into German society would be allowed to stay. According to Merz, returnees are expected to play a key role in the reconstruction of Syria.