Berlin – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is facing mounting criticism after calling for the vast majority of Syrian refugees in Germany to return to their homeland. The remarks, made during a visit with Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Monday, have ignited a debate about integration, repatriation and the political calculations driving immigration policy in Europe’s largest economy. The controversy underscores the delicate balance Merz’s government faces as it attempts to address concerns about immigration while navigating complex geopolitical realities and domestic political pressures.
Merz stated that approximately 80% of the over 900,000 Syrian citizens registered in Germany could potentially return to Syria within the next three years, a figure he attributed to a desire expressed by President al-Sharaa to facilitate the rebuilding of the war-torn nation. While acknowledging the contributions of Syrian refugees to German society, Merz framed the potential return as a positive step towards Syria’s recovery. However, the suggestion has been widely condemned by NGOs, opposition parties, and even members within Merz’s own conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party.
A Political Tightrope
The timing of Merz’s comments is particularly sensitive. His government, a coalition with the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD), came to power last year promising a firmer stance on immigration, a strategy aimed at countering the rise of the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD). The AfD has consistently capitalized on anxieties surrounding immigration, and Merz’s rhetoric appears to be a direct attempt to address those concerns. However, critics argue that setting a specific repatriation target risks playing into the AfD’s hands and ignoring the complex realities facing Syrian refugees.
Anke Rehlinger, deputy leader of the SPD, implicitly accused Merz of political maneuvering, stating, “It’s not a wise move on the part of the chancellor to put forward specific figures within specific timeframes, because that raises expectations he may not be able to meet.” Her comments highlight the internal tensions within the governing coalition regarding immigration policy. The AfD has seen increasing support in recent years, fueled in part by concerns over immigration and integration. The Guardian reports the party is currently the largest opposition force in Germany.
The Reality on the Ground in Syria
The feasibility of large-scale returns to Syria is a major point of contention. Despite the Assad regime regaining control over much of the country, significant challenges remain. Human rights organizations continue to document widespread abuses, including arbitrary detention, torture, and extrajudicial killings. The security situation remains precarious, particularly for minority groups and those who opposed the government during the civil war.
Immigration advocacy group Pro Asyl has called for an immediate end to deportations to Syria, arguing that the country is not safe for returnees. “Given Syria’s ongoing instability and the continued threats faced by minority groups there, a policy guided not by short-term deterrence in migration policy, but by human rights, protection and long-term stability” is needed, the group stated. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) maintains that returns to Syria should be voluntary and informed, and only when conditions allow for safe and dignified living.
Economic Considerations and Integration
Beyond the humanitarian concerns, the economic implications of large-scale repatriation are also being debated. Roderich Kiesewetter, the CDU’s foreign policy spokesperson, warned that the AfD could exploit any failure to meet the proposed repatriation target. He also emphasized the vital role Syrian workers play in the German economy, particularly in sectors facing labor shortages.
The German Hospital Society has highlighted the significant contribution 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. “If these skilled workers were to leave the country again, it would have a significant impact on healthcare,” said Henriette Neumeyer, the society’s deputy chair. Data from Mediendienst Integration shows that approximately 244,000 Syrian citizens have been granted German passports between 2016 and 2024, demonstrating a significant level of integration.
A Backpedal and Lingering Questions
Facing widespread criticism, Merz appeared to moderate his stance on Tuesday, clarifying that the 80% figure was initially cited by President al-Sharaa. “We have taken note of this figure, but we are aware of the scale of the task,” he was quoted as saying by Bild newspaper. This backtracking, however, has done little to quell the controversy, with opposition parties continuing to accuse Merz of irresponsible rhetoric and pandering to the far-right.
The situation remains fluid. While over 3,700 Syrians have voluntarily returned to Germany as of November 2025, forced deportations are often subject to lengthy legal challenges. The German government will likely face continued scrutiny as it navigates the complex issues surrounding Syrian refugees and the broader debate over immigration policy. The next key development will be the release of updated statistics on voluntary returns and deportation proceedings, expected in early spring 2026.
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