Decline in number of Syrian refugees exiting Germany
The German Press Agency has obtained information from the Federal Ministry of the Interior regarding the number of Syrian refugees returning to Germany. By the end of May, only 804 Syrian refugees had returned with federal funding, a figure that increased between May and August to 1,867.
Since the overthrow of Assad, the majority of returning Syrian refugees have come from neighboring countries, including Turkey and Lebanon. However, no corresponding data is available for the number of Syrian nationals naturalized in Germany for this year.
Last year, 83,150 former Syrian nationals were naturalized in Germany, suggesting a significant number of Syrians have chosen to stay in the country.
The number of Syrian refugees returning to Germany remains relatively low overall. Janine Lietmeyer, a board member of World Vision Germany, reported that families find the decision to return to Syria difficult. Lietmeyer stated that returnees find it difficult to re-establish themselves in their hometowns due to the ongoing problems in Syria.
Lietmeyer visited Syria in August and observed a contrast between the relative normality in Damascus' city center and the ongoing problems in other parts of the country.
Return to Syria with federal funding is available through state programs. Voluntary departures by people not claiming state funding also occur.
Between January and August, 17,650 people from Syria applied for asylum with the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (Bamf). This indicates a continuous influx of Syrian refugees into Germany.
The number of Syrian refugees returning to Germany after the fall of Bashar al-Assad is increasing, but the overall trend suggests that the majority of Syrian refugees are choosing to stay in Germany or other countries. The current number of Syrian refugees returning to Germany with federal aid is 1,867, despite the government offering return assistance of up to €2,000; meanwhile, 17,650 new Syrian migrants arrived in Germany during the same period.
The German Press Agency obtained this information from the Federal Ministry of the Interior, providing a clear picture of the current state of Syrian refugees returning to Germany.
