Germany, Syria Push Refugee Return Plan as Merz Hosts Interim Leader al-Sharaa in Berlin

Germany and Syria have agreed to work jointly on facilitating the return of Syrian refugees, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Monday after talks with Syria’s interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa in Berlin.

Speaking after their meeting, Merz said both sides aim for up to 80% of Syrians currently living in Germany to return home over the next three years. Germany hosts the largest Syrian diaspora in the European Union, with more than one million refugees who arrived בעיקר during the 2015–2016 migration crisis.

Al-Sharaa, on his first visit to Germany since the 2024 ousting of former president Bashar al-Assad, pledged cooperation with Berlin to enable voluntary returns. He outlined plans for a “circular migration” model that would allow Syrians to contribute to rebuilding their country while maintaining ties to their lives in Germany.

“We are working with our friends in the German government to create opportunities for Syrians to return and help reconstruct their homeland,” al-Sharaa said.

Merz noted that Berlin is ready to support Syria’s reconstruction, adding that a German delegation will travel to دمشق in the coming days. However, he stressed that deeper cooperation would depend on Syria establishing a stable system governed by the rule of law.

Syria has begun re-engaging with Western nations following political changes and the easing of sanctions after its 14-year civil war. Al-Sharaa has visited several countries in recent months to rebuild diplomatic ties and attract investment, particularly in energy, transport and tourism.

Despite the renewed engagement, the visit drew criticism from rights groups and some German politicians, who warned against “premature normalisation” of Syria’s new leadership. Concerns remain over ongoing violence, sectarian tensions and allegations of human rights abuses.

Protests were held in Berlin during the visit, with demonstrators highlighting al-Sharaa’s past links to Islamist groups and calling for stricter conditions on any German support.

While both governments signal a willingness to deepen cooperation, the pace of refugee returns and broader diplomatic normalisation is likely to depend on security conditions and political reforms within Syria.