Friedrich Merz Calls for Halt to Syrian Refugee Admissions Following Assad's Fall

The CDU leader argues for stricter border measures and selective deportation policies while addressing integration and workforce concerns.

CDU Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz has advocated for an immediate stop to the admission of Syrian refugees, citing security concerns about potential ties to Assad's militias.
Merz emphasized that Syrians already in Germany who are well-integrated and contributing to the workforce should be allowed to stay, while those unwilling to integrate should return to Syria.
CSU's Alexander Dobrindt echoed Merz's stance, pushing for the expedited deportation of Syrian nationals who have committed crimes in Germany.
Migrationsforscher Herbert Brücker proposed offering returnees the option to come back to Germany to encourage voluntary repatriation, given the ongoing labor shortages in the country.
Germany's Federal Office for Migration and Refugees has temporarily paused decisions on Syrian asylum applications due to the evolving situation in Syria.