The German government is laying the groundwork for what it describes as "voluntary, secure, and dignified" returns of Syrian refugees following the dramatic ouster of President Bashar al-Assad. The announcement, part of an eight-point plan for Syria's future, underscores Europe's recalibration of its policies toward Syrian asylum seekers after years of civil war.
"Voluntary, secure and dignified returns - which we have always called for - now appear, for the first time in years, to be within the bounds of the possible," the German Federal Foreign Office said in the document obtained by Politico. The plan emphasizes creating conditions for long-term stability in Syria, including addressing humanitarian, political, and socio-economic challenges.
Assad's fall on Sunday, after rebel forces seized the capital Damascus, has sent shockwaves through Europe's refugee and asylum systems. Germany, which hosts nearly 60% of Europe's Syrian refugees, temporarily paused all asylum applications from Syrians, citing uncertainty about the situation on the ground. Other European nations, including France, Greece, and Sweden, have also frozen asylum decisions, with Austria announcing plans to begin deporting Syrian migrants.
Austria's Interior Minister Gerhard Karner directed his ministry to prepare a program for "orderly repatriation and deportation to Syria." Meanwhile, countries like Denmark are taking a more cautious approach, pausing asylum processes but allowing rejected applicants to remain longer due to instability in Syria.
The potential for Syrian refugees to return has sparked heated political debate across Europe. In Germany, conservative voices like lawmaker Jens Spahn have called for proactive measures, suggesting financial incentives and logistical support for those willing to return. "For everyone who wants to go back to Syria, we will charter planes for them. They will get a starting fund of 1,000 euros," Spahn said during a television interview.
However, others caution against rushing decisions. Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann noted that many Syrians in Germany are now well-integrated, working in critical roles, and contributing to society. "Those who have already integrated well are still cordially welcome," he said in an interview with Deutschlandfunk radio. But he added, "It is clear that there are also people who haven't integrated well, and it's right to help them return to their homeland if Syria stabilizes."
The fall of Assad has stirred mixed emotions among Syrians living in Europe. In Athens, Najem al-Moussa, a lawyer turned cook who fled Damascus in 2015, expressed both joy and apprehension. "I consider my life to be here. Not just me but my children," he said, emphasizing that his family's life in Greece offers opportunities that Syria never could. His five children, all fluent in Greek, struggle to imagine a life in their parents' homeland.
Similarly, in Germany, Syrian vet Hasan Alzagher voiced frustration after learning that his asylum application was put on hold. "This is mentally devastating. After setting your mind to live here, learn the language, and integrate, now you have to think about returning to a place where basic necessities are still missing," Alzagher said.
The German government's plan includes forming a coalition of Arab and Western states to support Syria's transition and mitigate destabilizing influences. It calls for a civilian government that respects Syria's sovereignty while excluding terrorist groups and urges power-sharing agreements to uphold territorial integrity.
Despite these plans, significant challenges remain. The aftermath of Assad's departure has left Syria's future governance and stability uncertain, making decisions about refugee returns fraught with complexity. For many Syrians in Europe, the prospect of returning raises fundamental questions about safety, opportunity, and rebuilding lives disrupted by war.
