Even almost a year and a half after the regime’s collapse, the voluntary repatriation of Syrians to their home country, which is supported by incentives, is progressing slowly. According to “Spiegel” as of March 27th, the Federal Ministry of the Interior reports that only 9,867 Syrians have left voluntarily since 2024.
Although the government is once again providing financial support for such departures, there are currently only 844 applications in progress at the responsible Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) for 1,517 individuals who are aiming for assistance from the relevant federal and state funding pool. Hans-Eckhard Sommer, the President of BAMF, recently suggested in “Spiegel” that higher incentives for voluntary returnees are necessary, as the current payments-usually 1,000 euros per adult-are not appealing enough. Furthermore, it is widely known within BAMF that the complex calculation of return incentives on a case-by-case basis creates too much administrative burden, and that simplified lump sums would make processing easier.
In response to an inquiry, the Interior Ministry stated that they are considering both issues and are evaluating the situation “continuously”. According to the ministry, approximately 500,000 Syrians currently reside in Germany under temporary protection status. There was recent confusion following a meeting between Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Syrian authorities leader Ahmed al-Scharaa, regarding an alleged statement from the conversation suggesting that 80 percent of Syrians should return to their home country.
