German Chancellor Plans Talks with Syrian President on Refugee RepatriationSyrian President Ahmed al-Scharaa is set to visit Germany next week for high-level discussions with German officials, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The primary focus of these meetings will be the potential return of Syrian refugees currently residing in Germany to their home country, as confirmed by Germany's Deputy Government Spokesperson, Sebastian Hille. However, there are ongoing debates, particularly within Germany's conservative parties, regarding the return of Syrian nationals who sought refuge in Germany during the Assad era. Meanwhile, organizations advocating for refugee rights, such as Pro Asyl, have voiced concerns about the decreasing approval rates for asylum applications from Syrian, Afghan, and Iranian nationals. Statistical data reflects a noticeable decline in initial asylum applications from Syrians in Germany, dropping from nearly 77,000 in 2024 to around 23,000 following the change in Syrian leadership.

Source: The Munich Eye January 16, 2026 17:22 UTC