The Federal Ministry of the Interior announced that 464 Syrians have left Germany through the subsidized voluntary return program, which was launched earlier this year to encourage Syrian refugees and asylum seekers to return home following the fall of the Assad regime. Under the program, the German government provides €200 per person for travel, and up to €1,700 per individual or €4,000 per family to support job creation or reintegration. Returnees also received additional assistance through other support programs.
The Federal Ministry of the Interior reports that the low number of Syrians returning to their home country is attributed to ongoing instability in Syria. Many Syrians are likely waiting for conditions to improve before considering a return. The ministry cautioned against making hasty conclusions regarding the voluntary return and resettlement program. Additionally, the spokesperson indicated that there are currently no comprehensive statistics on the number of Syrians who have returned since Assad’s fall.
In contrast, over 734 Syrian refugees are facing legal proceedings from the Federal Office for Migration and Asylum for traveling to Syria between November 2024 and the end of March 2025, which violates current law and may result in the loss of their protection status. A spokesperson for the office stated that a file is opened to initiate the cancellation of protection status as soon as the return trip is reported. However, the spokesperson also noted that these legal proceedings are currently suspended because of the unstable situation in Syria.
Many politicians have criticized Syrian refugees for visiting their country of origin in violation of existing laws. The current government approved legislation following the violent attack in Solingen that allows authorities to revoke a refugee’s protection status if they return to their home country—except in cases of compelling humanitarian reasons and with prior notification. However, the government made an exception for Syrians. According to a spokesperson for the Federal Foreign Ministry, Syrians are permitted to travel to Syria if the visit is for the purpose of permanent return.
Joachim Herrmann of the Christian Social Union (CSU) has previously stated that the government’s plan for the voluntary return of Syrian refugees is unrealistic, describing trips by Syrians to their home country as “tourist visits disguised as exploration.” Herrmann emphasized that the new coalition parties have agreed to tighten immigration and asylum policies, including expanding deportations to Syria and Afghanistan.
