German Public Transport Relies Heavily on Syrian Workers

Calls for the return of Syrians to their homeland face criticism as their departure could worsen labor shortages in Germany's transport sector.

Germany’s public transport sector employs approximately 2,000 Syrian workers nationwide, with many in critical roles like bus and train operations.
The Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG), Germany's largest public transport company, employs 80 Syrian workers, highlighting their importance to its operations.
Industry leaders warn that the return of Syrian workers to their home country would exacerbate existing labor shortages in the transport sector.
Union politician Jens Spahn’s push for the immediate repatriation of Syrians following the Assad regime's fall has been labeled as 'political actionism' by transport officials.
Berlin officials emphasize the broader economic contributions of the nearly 13,000 Syrians working across various sectors in the city, stating their absence would harm local industries.