Merz: 80% of Syrians in Germany expected to return within three years
30.03.2026
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday said that 80% of the more than 900,000 Syrian nationals in Germany should return to their home country in the next three years. Speaking at a press conference during Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa's first visit to Berlin, Merz said that Syrians are needed at home to join reconstruction efforts, while stressing that those "who wish to remain in Germany and are well integrated will be able to stay in Germany.