Syrian refugee returns from Germany rise slowly after Assad's fall

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The number of Syrian refugees returning from Germany since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad has been slowly rising, though it remains relatively small, the Interior Ministry told dpa.

By the end of August, 1,867 Syrians had left Germany with federal assistance, up from 804 at the end of May. Returns are also supported through state-level programmes, while others depart without official aid.

Since the overthrow of long-time ruler al-Assad in December, refugees have mainly returned to Syria from neighbouring countries, including Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq.

Janine Lietmeyer, a board member of World Vision Germany who visited Syria in August, said families often struggle with the decision to return. She noted that relative normality in central Damascus contrasts sharply with hardship in other regions, making reintegration difficult.

Last year, around 83,150 Syrians became German citizens, Interior Ministry data showed. Figures for 2025 are not yet available.

At the same time, new asylum applications continue: between January and August, 17,650 Syrians applied for protection at the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).