Germany set to start sending Syrian refugees back home
Illustrative photo: Merz plans mass deportations of refugees (GettyImages)
Germany is preparing to begin the process of returning Syrian refugees to their homeland, while also considering the possibility of deporting those who have no legal grounds for staying in the country, according to Handelsblatt and Tagesschau.
Germany is beginning to discuss the repatriation of Syrian refugees amid the end of the civil war in Syria.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz says that the process of returning migrants can now begin, while the government hopes that most will return voluntarily and participate in the country's reconstruction.
Berlin is ready to assist in rebuilding infrastructure and the humanitarian sector.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who visited Syria, expresses doubt that a significant number of refugees would decide to return in the near future due to the destruction and difficult living conditions.
Merz notes that Germany intends to separate the procedures for granting asylum and labor migration, stressing that some migrants could be integrated into the labor market.
The authorities are also considering the possibility of deporting Syrians who have no legal grounds for staying and refuse to return.
Germany invited the interim President of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, to coordinate actions and discuss guarantees.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stressed that the coming months will be crucial for Ukraine and emphasized the importance of preserving the country's defense capabilities for the coming winter after meetings with NATO leaders in Brussels.
Germany plans to increase funding for the restoration of Ukraine's energy infrastructure after Russian strikes to €450 million, while stressing that the funds will be used as efficiently as possible.
