A Reduction in the Number of Syrian Immigrants Departing Germany
In recent developments, the number of Syrian refugees returning to Syria from Germany has been slowly increasing. According to reports, between January and August 2022, 17,650 Syrians applied for asylum with the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (Bamf) in Germany.
However, a significant number of Syrian refugees have chosen to return to their homeland with the help of state-funded programmes. By the end of August 2022, 1,867 Syrian refugees had travelled back to Syria with federal funding. This figure represents an increase from the 804 returns recorded by the end of May 2022.
Janine Lietmeyer, a board member of World Vision Germany, has reported that families struggle with the decision to return to Syria. Lietmeyer's report highlights major challenges faced by returnees in re-establishing themselves, particularly in regions outside Damascus, where relative normality contrasts with the ongoing hardships in other parts of the country.
The trend of Syrian refugees returning to Syria is not limited to Germany. The number of Syrian refugees returning to Syria from neighbouring countries like Turkey and Lebanon has been increasing since the fall of Bashar al-Assad. However, it's important to note that there are voluntary departures of people from Germany to Syria, regardless of state funding.
It's worth mentioning that no data is available yet for the number of former Syrian citizens naturalized in Germany for this year. Similarly, no earlier facts mention the number of Syrians naturalized in Germany last year.
The return of Syrian refugees to their homeland raises complex issues and concerns. As the situation in Syria continues to evolve, it's crucial to support and assist these individuals in their efforts to rebuild their lives, whether they choose to stay in Germany or return to Syria.
