File photo for reference only

 

Germany's government is contemplating the repatriation of Syrian migrants as part of a recent shift in immigration policy. Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the possibility of both voluntary and forced returns, signalling a harder stance as his coalition seeks to counter the rising influence of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. This potential policy shift impacts approximately 1.3 million Syrians living in Germany, including those with temporary residence permits.

 

In 2015-2016, Germany, led by Angela Merkel, welcomed over 1 million Syrians fleeing the Syrian conflict. However, with Assad's regime no longer in power, Merz argues that the grounds for asylum have diminished. Despite his declaration, Germany has only formalised plans to deport Syrians with criminal records, creating uncertainty about the scale of potential repatriations.

 

The topic has stirred significant debate, with some German officials echoing Merz's view while others, especially from the left, warn of the challenges in Syria. Humanitarian groups and political activists caution against mass deportations, highlighting ongoing instability in Syria and potential persecution by new governing factions. Additionally, many Syrians have assimilated into German society, contributing to sectors such as healthcare, reported CNN.

 

Merz extended an invitation to Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa to discuss the matter in Berlin. With Germany facing political pressure from the AfD, Merz’s government aims to balance this influence while navigating opposition from within its coalition and other political factions.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Germany is considering the repatriation of some Syrian migrants amidst political pressures.
• The policy shift is part of an effort to counter the rise of the far-right AfD party.
• The situation in Syria remains volatile, raising concerns about the feasibility and ethics of deportations.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNN 2025-11-10

 

 

 

Enthusiastically singing the German National Anthem...

1.3 million Syrians???

 

Are they totally insane?

 

If only Germany hadn't left the EU, they'd have no problem dealing with.... oh, wait a minute. 

I am sure many Syrians would welcome the chance to help rebuild their country. 

6 hours ago, JonnyF said:

1.3 million Syrians???

 

Are they totally insane?

 

If only Germany hadn't left the EU, they'd have no problem dealing with.... oh, wait a minute. 

 

Absolutely. It's because of Brexit that successive UK governments have been able to take a firm hold on immigration, both legal and illegal.

 

Errr ....

15 hours ago, RayC said:

 

Absolutely. It's because of Brexit that successive UK governments have been able to take a firm hold on immigration, both legal and illegal.

 

Errr ....

 

So you are saying that Germany and Britain have the same issues with immigration, despite one having left the EU and the other having stayed?

 

It's almost like Brexit is nothing to do with it. 😀

Germany Blocks 18,000 at Borders as Deportations Rise

Federal Police said that nearly 18,000 people have been turned away since May under new rules introduced by the government.

Border controls expanded nationwide

Germany’s Federal Police said that tighter checks have been in place at all nine borders since May 2025. The new rules allow officers to refuse entry to people without valid documents or to send them back immediately after crossing.

Exceptions apply to vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women.

Between May and the end of October, officers stopped more than 25,000 unauthorized entry attempts. Of those, 18,598 people were turned away, and nearly 900 suspected smugglers were detained, according to official figures.

https://etias.com/articles/germany-blocks-18,000-at-borders-as-deportations-rise

6 hours ago, JonnyF said:

 

So you are saying that Germany and Britain have the same issues with immigration, despite one having left the EU and the other having stayed?

 

It's almost like Brexit is nothing to do with it. 😀

 

On 11/11/2025 at 3:50 AM, JonnyF said:

1.3 million Syrians???

 

Are they totally insane?

 

If only Germany hadn't left the EU, they'd have no problem dealing with.... oh, wait a minute. 

 

You're deflecting/ backtracking call it what you will.

 

You had yet another unfounded snide dig at the EU by implying - without any evidence -  that immigration problems are worse in Germany than the UK as a result of the former being a member of the EU: The truth of the matter is that the UK and Germany face the same problem wrt illegal immigration.

 

When it comes to legal immigration, Germany has the advantage of being part of the Single Market which allows it to fill job vacancies without too much cost and bureaucracy. The UK was, of course, also previously part of the EU Single Market but decided to jettison this practice in favour of an immigration system which is more expensive, time-consuming and bureaucratic for both employers and employees.

 

Yes, a real Brexit benefit.