Over 1.6 million Syrian refugees have returned since late 2024, UN reports

More than 1.6 million Syrian refugees have returned to Syria since the change of power in late 2024, according to UNHCR data cited by Welt am Sonntag. The majority came from neighboring countries: 634,000 from Turkey, 621,000 from Lebanon, and 284,000 from Jordan. Germany, grouped under 'other countries' in the UNHCR statistics, accounted for 6,100 returnees.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz received Syrian transitional president Ahmed al-Sharaa in March to discuss the framework for refugee returns. During that visit, a target return rate of 80% was discussed but later denied by both sides. Merz faced criticism from coalition partner SPD over the issue.

As of February, the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees reported around 3,600 Syrian refugees have returned from Germany. The German government has repeatedly stated that the end of the civil war removes the protection grounds for many Syrian refugees. However, the Federal Office currently conducts revocation proceedings only on a case-by-case basis, such as after criminal offenses or unauthorized visits to Syria. Expanding these procedures requires that the change in the country of origin be significant and permanent, a criterion that can only be established 'after a certain period of time and after the stabilization of conditions,' according to the report.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) expressed doubt about short-term mass returns after visiting the heavily devastated town of Harasta. 'Here really hardly any people can live with dignity,' Wadephul said, drawing sharp criticism from within his own party.