Merkel Calls for Syrian Refugees’ Return: Germany Sees No Further Grounds for Asylum
Tensions have risen once again in Germany regarding the status of Syrian refugees as Chancellor Friedrich Merz issued a clear call for their voluntary repatriation to Syria.
In a recent statement, he emphasized that with the end of the civil war in Syria— which lasted for many years—conditions have been created for Syrians to return home voluntarily.
Merz pointed out that currently, Germany has no grounds to continue granting asylum to these refugees, and he urged them to make this choice freely, assuring that Germany is prepared to support Syria financially in its reconstruction efforts.
He added that many refugees wish to return and contribute to rebuilding their country.
At the same time, he stressed that those who refuse to leave Germany and are not eligible for asylum can be deported in accordance with established procedures.
Addressing questions about integrating well-adapted refugees into the German labor market, Merz explained that future policies would clearly differentiate between asylum procedures and employment pathways, aiming for a more efficient use of resources.
He expressed hope that administrative processes would be improved and that the system would be better organized to facilitate successful integration.
Currently, over 950,000 Syrians reside in Germany, many of whom have been issued deportation orders.
German Foreign Minister Johannes Waduful, during his visit to Damascus, noted that due to ongoing destruction in Syria, return in the near future remains unlikely.
However, he expressed optimism that opportunities for return could improve in the future.