German Chancellor Calls for Return of Syrian Refugees as War Is Declared Over
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Monday that Syrian refugees currently residing in Germany should return to their home country now that the war there is considered to have ended, warning that those who do not comply could face deportation. The remarks were made during a televised interview in which Merz reiterated his government's hard‑line stance on migration and emphasized the need for a clear policy on the future of asylum seekers from conflict zones.
Germany has taken in more than one million Syrian refugees since the conflict began in 2011, providing them with shelter, integration programs, and access to the labour market. The Chancellor’s statement comes amid a broader European debate on how to handle the long‑term presence of refugees once host‑nation security concerns and integration challenges become prominent. Officials note that the Syrian government has regained control over most of the country’s major urban areas, prompting some to argue that the original basis for protection has changed.
Government spokespeople indicated that the policy proposal would involve a phased approach, beginning with voluntary repatriation incentives such as financial assistance and guaranteed safe passage, followed by administrative procedures for those who refuse to leave. Experts caution that large‑scale returns could strain diplomatic relations with Syria and raise humanitarian concerns, especially for individuals whose families remain displaced or whose homes have been damaged. Industry analysts also warn that abrupt policy shifts might affect Germany’s labour market, where many refugees are employed in sectors facing shortages.
Opposition parties and human‑rights organisations have criticized the proposal as premature, arguing that stability in Syria remains fragile and that a significant number of refugees lack the documentation needed to return safely. The Chancellor, however, maintained that the policy reflects a broader effort to restore order to Germany’s migration system and to encourage other European nations to adopt similar measures. The debate is expected to continue in the Bundestag, where legislators will weigh security, humanitarian, and economic considerations before any concrete legislation is introduced.
