The Federal Republic of Germany is initiating a profound transformation of its migration policy, signaling a significant break from the long-standing practice of halting deportations to Syria. Effective October 12, 2025, the government intends to restart the repatriation of young, physically robust Syrian asylum seekers to their home country, even if they possess no prior criminal convictions. This controversial decision was publicly announced by Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt. Direct deportations to Syria have been suspended since 2012, a measure initially implemented due to the ongoing armed conflict within the nation.
This dramatic policy reversal has been facilitated by major geopolitical shifts, specifically the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024. The German Cabinet, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, concluded that the altered circumstances permit a re-evaluation of the status of individuals seeking protection. The official rationale underpinning this move centers on the imperative for effective management of migration flows and the reinforcement of national security interests. German authorities are currently engaged in active negotiations aimed at securing relevant agreements with the new Syrian governing bodies, striving to finalize a deal before the close of 2025, as previously outlined by Minister Dobrindt.
The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) has received explicit instructions to resume processing previously suspended cases involving Syrian nationals, placing a clear priority on the category defined as “able-bodied young men.” This directive is generating considerable public debate, as critics are quick to point out the persistent instability in Syria, notwithstanding the recent change in leadership. Intriguingly, this policy shift coincides with a sharp decline in the number of Syrians seeking asylum across the European Union. While approximately 16,000 applications were lodged by Syrians in the EU last October, that figure plummeted to just 3,100 by May of this year. Germany itself has recorded a nearly twofold reduction in overall asylum applications compared to the preceding year.
The government’s stance draws a sharp distinction between Syrian refugees who have successfully integrated—learning the language and securing employment—and those who remain dependent on social welfare payments and lack a legitimate basis for residency. Nevertheless, tension is mounting among Syrian refugees who have resided in Germany since 2015. Some are openly expressing their deep reluctance to return to a country where, they claim, chaos persists, basic infrastructure is absent, and armed factions patrol the streets. Warnings are being voiced regarding the potential for widespread protests in Berlin should forced expulsions be carried out.