German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says most Syrians living in Germany could return to their country within three years, following discussions in Berlin with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

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Nearly one million Syrians sought refuge in Germany during the civil war in Syria. Speaking after the meeting, Merz said the situation in Syria had “fundamentally changed” more than a year after the conflict ended, meaning refugee protection claims must now be reassessed.

Merz signals large-scale return plan

He said both governments expected around 80% of Syrians currently in Germany to return within three years, echoing hopes expressed by Sharaa. The chancellor provided few details on the mechanism for large-scale returns.

Merz’s administration has adopted a stricter approach to migration as support grows for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which campaigns on limiting immigration.

Priority on migrants without residency rights

Merz said initial efforts would focus on people who no longer have legal permission to remain in Germany, particularly those convicted of crimes.

He added that more departures could follow over time. At the same time, the chancellor stressed that Syrian refugees had contributed significantly to German society.

Many, he said, also wished to help rebuild their homeland. According to Merz, returning Syrians could play an important role in reconstruction efforts as the country recovers from more than a decade of conflict.

Both leaders acknowledged that not all Syrians would leave Germany. Merz said Berlin wanted to retain skilled workers, including doctors and care staff, if they chose to remain.

Sharaa thanked Germany for accepting refugees during the war, saying the country had given Syrians a chance to rebuild their lives.

“We are proud that Syrians have quickly learned to contribute to society,” he said. The Syrian leader proposed a “circular migration” approach that would allow Syrians to help rebuild Syria while maintaining stability for families who have established lives in Germany.

Opposition raises concerns over security

Critics say conditions in Syria remain too fragile for large-scale returns. Franziska Brantner of the opposition Alliance 90/The Greens said many Syrians cannot safely return because infrastructure remains weak and security is uncertain.

She added that many refugees are now deeply integrated into German society, with steady jobs and children attending school.

Sharaa’s visit to Berlin also triggered protests. The Kurdish Community in Germany urged Merz to demand firm guarantees on minority protections in Syria. The group accuses Sharaa of involvement in human rights abuses and war crimes.

Sharaa came to power in December 2024 after leading an Islamist-led rebel offensive that overthrew former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, ending more than a decade of war.

Despite pledges to reunify the country, Syria remains fragmented and has seen repeated outbreaks of sectarian violence. Recent clashes between government-aligned forces and Kurdish groups in the north-east have highlighted ongoing tensions.

Earlier this year Damascus announced the creation of an interim parliamentary body as part of a proposed constitutional reform process. Kurdish representatives say the body lacks real representation and accuse the government of excluding them from talks on Syria’s political future.

Other minority groups, including the Druze, are also seeking stronger guarantees and greater autonomy.

Many Syrians in Germany arrived during the 2015 refugee crisis, when then-chancellor Angela Merkel chose not to close the country’s borders.

Her phrase “Wir schaffen das” — “We’ll manage this” — became a defining moment of the crisis. While supporters viewed it as a pragmatic response to humanitarian needs, critics said it encouraged large-scale migration.

Migration has since become a central issue across Europe, with governments introducing stricter controls amid rising support for anti-immigration parties.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 31 March 2026

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These should Germany's criteria:

1) The refugees' safety in Syria and a functioning govt there.

2) If they have achieved permanent residency but want to go back.

3) Do they speak german which indicates assimilation.

4) Are they part of a separate Syrian enclave in Germany.

5) Have any been radicalised, for instance, through extremist preachers in the mosques.