German Chancellor Friedrich Merz faced widespread criticism after calling for the majority of Syrians living in Germany to return to their homeland, a statement made during a visit with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The remarks sparked condemnation from NGOs and members of his own government, raising concerns about the feasibility and ethical implications of such a large-scale repatriation.
Merz’s Call for Repatriation
Merz stated that President al-Sharaa expressed a desire for approximately 80% of the over 900,000 Syrian citizens registered in Germany to return within the next three years, citing the need to rebuild Syria. He initially framed the priority as sending back Syrians with criminal records, but expanded on the longer-term goal of broad-scale returns.
Al-Sharaa, a former Islamist rebel leader, did not confirm the 80% figure, which reportedly surprised officials in Berlin. Merz later clarified that the figure originated with the Syrian president and acknowledged the scale of the task.
Political Fallout and Criticism
Anke Rehlinger, deputy leader of the co-ruling Social Democrats (SPD), accused Merz of bolstering the anti-immigration stance of the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) by setting a repatriation target ahead of the expected 2029 general election. She emphasized the integration of many Syrians into German society, noting their contributions to essential sectors.
Approximately 244,000 Syrian citizens received German passports between 2016 and 2024, representing the largest group of newly naturalized citizens.
Criticism also came from within Merz’s own conservative CDU party. Roderich Kiesewetter, the party’s foreign policy spokesperson, deemed the figures “problematic,” warning that unfulfilled promises could be exploited by the AfD and highlighting the importance of skilled Syrian workers to the German economy.
Impact on Key Sectors
The German Hospital Society underscored the significant role of Syrian doctors, with 5,745 currently working in German clinics – the largest group of foreign physicians. Another 2,000 Syrians are employed as carers. The society warned that their departure would significantly impact healthcare.
Opposition and Advocacy Groups Respond
Opposition leaders denounced Merz’s goal as reckless. Franziska Brantner, co-leader of the Greens, stated that returning to Syria is not an option for many due to security risks and a lack of confidence in the political transition. Luise Amtsberg, a fellow Greens MP, called the remarks “shameful.”
Immigration advocacy group Pro Asyl called for an immediate end to deportations to Syria, advocating for a policy guided by human rights and long-term stability. They cited ongoing instability and threats to minority groups within Syria.
Shift from Merkel’s Policy
Merz’s stance represents a departure from the more welcoming border policy of former Chancellor Angela Merkel, who allowed approximately 1.3 million people fleeing war and oppression into Germany between 2015 and 2016. That policy, while initially popular, later faced backlash that has benefited the AfD, now the country’s largest opposition party.
Merz acknowledged the contributions of Syrians who arrived under Merkel’s leadership, but suggested that many now wish to return, believing the regime of Bashar al-Assad is no longer a barrier. As of November 2025, over 3,700 Syrians had voluntarily returned from Germany, though forced deportations often face legal challenges.
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