Most Syrian refugees in Germany expected to return home in three years, Merz says

"Looking ahead over the next three years – as Sharaa has expressed his hope – around 80% of Syrians currently residing in Germany are expected to return to their home country."

— Friedrich Merz , Politician

"We are proud that Syrians have learned very quickly to contribute to society."

— Ahmed al-Sharaa , Politician

"Returning to Syria was not an option for many, because of the lack of infrastructure and the unstable security situation there."

— Franziska Brantner , Politician

"In the longer perspective of the next three years, that ... was the wish of President al-Sharaa, about 80% of the Syrians currently living in Germany should return to their homeland."

— Friedrich Merz , Politician

"We have an interest in those who live here, want to stay and are well-integrated … that these people stay in Germany."

— Friedrich Merz , Politician

"In der längeren Perspektive der nächsten drei Jahre, das sind auch, ist der Wunsch von Präsident Scharaa gewesen, sollen rund 80 Prozent der in Deutschland jetzt sich aufhaltenden Syrerinnen und Syrer zurück in ihr Heimatland kehren."

— Friedrich Merz , Politician

"We have an interest in those who live here, want to stay and are well-integrated ... that these people stay in Germany. But many who are here are needed at home."

— Friedrich Merz , Politician

"Therefore, we are working with our friends in the German government to establish a circular immigration model that allows skilled Syrians to contribute to the reconstruction of their motherland without giving up their stability and the lives they built here, for those who wish to stay."

— Ahmad al-Sharaa , Politician