BERLIN — Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on March 30 that Germany and Syria will collaborate to repatriate hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees, emphasizing their vital role in postwar reconstruction.
After hosting Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Berlin, Merz stated at a joint news conference that while many of the 700,000-800,000 Syrians in Germany have contributed significantly, most yearn to return. “They will play an important role in Syria following years of destruction of businesses, schools, nurseries, and hospitals,” he said.
Merz projected 80% could head home within three years, starting with those lacking valid residence rights, particularly criminal offenders. His coalition, in power since last year, has tightened asylum rules amid rising support for the anti-immigration AfD party, reacting to Angela Merkel’s 2015 intake of around 1 million seekers from Syria and Afghanistan.
Germany pledges reconstruction aid, with an “ambitious joint work programme” already underway for voluntary returns. Al-Sharaa thanked Berlin for sheltering refugees during the civil war and proposed a “model of circular migration” to let Syrian talent aid rebuilding while maintaining ties. The pact signals warming relations as Syria stabilizes post-conflict.