One million Syrians in Germany: integration or return?

One million Syrians in Germany: integration or return?

In the past ten years, over a million Syrian refugees have found a new home in Germany. This number corresponds to the population of Cologne and has noticeably changed society in Germany. At the beginning, many Germans viewed the newcomers with skepticism, but thanks to the patience and openness of many citizens, many Syrians were able to be integrated. Today they are present in many areas of everyday life - be it in hospitals, nursing homes or in shops. AZ Online reports on the remarkable integration that was made possible by the personal commitment of these people.

Syria itself has been severely affected: two million houses have been damaged and many cities have been depopulated. There are therefore often no opportunities for refugees to return. Many people have put down new roots in Germany. Their children learn in schools and speak German, while their longing for home remains strong. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul recently traveled to Syria and visited the devastated Harasta area. It became clear that the return of refugees is a long-term perspective that depends heavily on the political situation.

The status of refugees

In 2024, around 974,136 people of Syrian origin lived in Germany, with around 712,000 officially registered as seeking protection. The majority of them – around 88 percent – ​​had recognized protection status. This illustrates how important Germany has become as a receiving country for Syrian migrants. Syrian refugees are a valuable resource, especially in areas such as care and agriculture, as many federal states are struggling with a shortage of skilled workers. The Federal Agency for Civic Education highlights that almost half of the refugees who came to Germany around eight to nine years ago had a higher level of education.

The political landscape in Syria has also changed. After Bashar al-Assad's regime was overthrown by the Islamist militia Hajat Tahrir al-Sham in early December 2024, the return of some refugees is being discussed. Nevertheless, the situation is still confusing. The BAMF has currently stopped all decisions on asylum applications from Syrians, except in Dublin procedures, which increases the uncertainty. Loud daily news There is a critical humanitarian emergency in the country - 90 percent of the population is dependent on aid.

Return debate and future prospects

The return of Syrians from Germany could be encouraged both through charter flights and through financial incentives, as Jens Spahn from the CDU suggests. But the acting Interior Minister Nancy Faeser from the SPD warns that the situation in Syria remains confusing and that concrete options for return are currently not foreseeable. UNHCR predicts the return of around a million people from neighboring countries in the first half of 2025.

However, integration remains the central way to fill this failed space. Millions of people will not easily return, even if the political situation changes. The governing parties must face this challenge honestly and offer solutions that include clear rights, secure perspectives and respect for the efforts of these people. Because while Syrians are being integrated into the labor market in Germany, their wishes for a home and security remain a central part of the reality of their lives. The issue of integration and return is an ongoing issue that affects not only the refugees themselves, but also society as a whole.