Overview
- Merz said the civil war in Syria is over and that Germany can begin repatriations, with deportations possible for those who refuse to leave.
- He invited interim president Ahmed al‑Sharaa to Berlin to coordinate returns, prioritizing removals of Syrians convicted of crimes.
- Germany has not carried out deportations to Syria in years, and officials cite complex legal frameworks, proof‑of‑identity hurdles and the need for Syrian consent.
- Capacity to hold deportees is tight, with roughly 800 specialized beds nationwide and court challenges frequently pausing removals.
- Many Syrians are rooted in Germany, with about 287,000 employed last year and tens of thousands naturalized, while AfD’s rise is intensifying political pressure for tougher measures.