Germany has agreed to deport 80% of Syrians back to Syria: what is known
31 March 13:18
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is pushing for the return of 80% of the more than 900,000 Syrians currently in Germany to their homeland.
This is reported by Die Welt, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
Germany and Syria have agreed to establish a joint working group. It will include the ministries of development and the interior, as well as the Office of the Federal Chancellor. In addition, an informational trip by German representatives to Syria is planned in the coming days.
Merz noted that nearly a year after the end of the war, conditions in Syria have significantly improved, and therefore the need for protection must be reassessed.
“In the longer term, over the next three years—and this was also the wish of President Ahmed al-Sharaa—approximately 80% of Syrians currently living in Germany should return to their country,” he stated at a press conference in Berlin alongside Syria’s interim president.
Merz noted that he had asked President al-Sharaa to prioritize the return of those who no longer have valid residence permits in Germany. He clarified that this refers to a small but problematic group of Syrians who have committed offenses and whom Germany wants to return to Syria first.
Those Syrians who wished to remain in Germany and were well-integrated could stay in Germany, Merz added.
It is expected that those who return will play an important role in the country’s reconstruction. Political stability and economic growth in Syria are key to successful reconstruction. People returning with new experiences and ideas gained during their stay in Germany and other countries should contribute to this process.
According to Merz, the German federal government will support the reconstruction of Syria, which has been devastated by civil war, through a special program, consultations, and expert assistance. Germany plans to allocate approximately 200 million euros, specifically for the development of water supply systems and the strengthening of economic ties.
Merz also appealed to Al-Sharaa to create a space in the new Syria for everyone, regardless of gender or minority status. The government in Damascus, led by Al-Sharaa, has been accused of failing to protect minorities in the country from violence, or even of inciting and participating in crimes. Al-Sharaa promised that everyone’s rights would be respected.
