Germany Urges Syrian Refugees to Return Home
Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany’s centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU), has called on Syrian refugees in Germany to return to Syria or face potential deportation. He asserted that the Syrian civil war is over and the country is now safe for repatriation.
Merz’s Statement on Syrian Refugees
Speaking on Monday night, Merz stated:
“The Syrian civil war is over, there is absolutely no reason to claim asylum in Germany anymore and we can therefore begin with repatriations.”
He added that a large number of Syrians want to go back and warned that those who refuse to return could be deported in the future.
Contrasting Views Within German Leadership
Merz’s comments contradict those of Johann Wadephul, Germany’s foreign minister. Wadephul recently visited Syria and emphasized that due to ongoing damage and bombing in the civil war, conditions are still unsafe for returnees.
Syrian Refugees in Germany: Current Situation
- Germany accepted nearly 1 million Syrians during the 2015 refugee crisis.
- Today, around 1.3 million Syrians live in Germany, with 250,000 born there.
- Many Syrians have integrated, but the majority lack formal residence permits and remain under refugee status.
- By the end of 2023, approximately 712,000 Syrians were still registered as asylum seekers.
Summary
Germany’s CDU leader advocates for Syrian refugees to return home citing safety, while the foreign minister warns conditions remain unsafe, highlighting a government divide on the repatriation issue.