Overview

• Since January 2025, Germany's government has provided financial aid for 133 Syrians opting for voluntary return, including 40 departures under the new federal program.
• The program offers travel assistance, medical cost coverage up to €2,000, and financial start-up support of up to €4,000 per family.
• Separate state-level return assistance programs exist, with costs partially reimbursed by the federal government through the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (Bamf).
• Germany continues to host nearly one million Syrians, with over 10,000 classified as obligated to leave but mostly holding temporary toleration status.
• The recent political shift in Syria, following the December 2024 ousting of Bashar al-Assad, has raised discussions on enabling short-term visits for Syrians to assess conditions for potential permanent return.