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Germany and Syria have agreed to repatriate 80% of the more than 900,000 Syrians residing in Germany over the next three years. This agreement follows Syrian Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa's first visit to Berlin since the ouster of Bashar al-Assad's regime.

Syrian Repatriation Plan Announced

Germany and Syria have reached an agreement to repatriate approximately 80% of the over 900,000 Syrians currently residing in Germany to their home country within the next three years. This announcement was made by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz following his meeting with Syrian Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Berlin. Merz stated that conditions in Syria had 'fundamentally improved' and emphasized that the return of individuals who have committed criminal offenses or no longer hold valid residence permits would be a top priority.

Shifting Dynamics in Syria and German Immigration Policy

Chancellor Merz highlighted the improved conditions in Syria after the fall of dictator Bashar al-Assad and the end of the civil war. However, al-Sharaa's visit to Berlin was not without controversy, as opponents flagged his past role as a former Islamist rebel accused of human rights violations. Immigration is a contentious topic in Germany, and Merz has made the return of certain migrants a top priority since taking office last year. Al-Sharaa sought to alleviate concerns about ongoing violence and instability in Syria, stressing the nation's diverse cultures and customs and its commitment to strengthening the rule of law and guaranteeing rights for all within the Syrian state.

*Source: YouTube: DW News (2026-03-31)*

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