German government pushes Syrians to return to their homeland

"Of these, 3,678 of them have already gone back to their home country. For German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, this is proof of the migration policy that he has been promoting: "Those who have no prospect of staying receive targeted support for their voluntary repatriation." This "targeted support" includes the cost of the flights and 1,000 (ca. $1200) per adult and 500 for minors."

"A total of 16,576 people have been helped to return to their country of origin or a third country willing to accept them. This represents a significant increase in the number of departures compared to the previous year, when 10,358 people left the country. In 2025, the majority of voluntary departures were to the countries of origin Turkey, Syria, the Russian Federation, Georgia and Iraq."

"The leader of the Left Party, Iris Schwerdtner, points out that Syria is still experiencing conditions resembling civil war and that Germany should not be deporting anybody to the country nor encouraging people to go there voluntarily. She says all debate on this issue is totally "inappropriate at the moment." Sandra Lorenz, the head of communications at Johanniter International Assistance, an aid organization that works with partners in northwestern Syria, told DW that she could understand why people wanted to go back to their homeland."

Last year 5,976 Syrians applied for BAMF-funded voluntary repatriation and 3,678 returned after submitting required documents. The program covers flights and pays 1,000 (ca. $1200) per adult and 500 per minor. BAMF relaunched the scheme for Syria after its suspension during the war and reported 16,576 assisted returns to countries of origin or third countries, up from 10,358 the previous year. Major destinations included Turkey, Syria, the Russian Federation, Georgia and Iraq. Critics argue Syria still resembles civil war and oppose deportations or encouragement to return amid devastating humanitarian conditions, while some aid groups understand return motivations.

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