Overview
- Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said Syrians who work and are integrated have a long-term perspective to stay.
- He stated that those who do not integrate or work face the prospect of return to Syria, with talks on return arrangements still underway.
- Dobrindt ruled out so-called home-country “fact-finding trips,” saying such travel would indicate no danger and lead to loss of protection status.
- He announced plans to resume deportations of criminals and security threats once an agreement with Syrian authorities is concluded and to shift Afghanistan removals to regular flights.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz promoted the planned Work-and-Stay agency to streamline legal labor migration, with key IT procurement slated for 2026, even as Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul urged caution on Syrian returns.