general

Germany and Syria agree to repatriate 80% of Syrian refugees

Chancellor Friedrich Merz received Syrian president Ahmad al Sharaa in Berlin and secured a deal to return roughly 80% of Syrian refugees from Germany, a move described as central to Merz’s election pledge.

Mar 30th 2026 · Germany

Insights

  • Germany and Syria reached an agreement to repatriate 80% of Syrian refugees living in Germany, according to reports.
  • The deal could amount to about 800,000 returns, as estimated in coverage of the talks.
  • Chancellor Friedrich Merz hosted Syrian president Ahmad al Sharaa in Berlin to negotiate the agreement.
  • Reports say Ahmad al Sharaa previously had ties to Al Qaeda and to Hayat Tahrir al Sham.
  • German officials previously held discreet contacts with Damascus on returns, while the Merz government pursued a transparent, high profile approach.

Sources