Germany’s CDU pushes Syrian refugees to return as pandemic review begins

A political tug-of-war over Syrian refugees heats up in Berlin. Could cash incentives and stricter rules reshape Germany’s migration future?

, and Administrator

2025 November 8 . 5:08 PM

1 min read

In this image we can see demolished house and few soldiers standing.

Germany’s CDU pushes Syrian refugees to return as pandemic review begins

Germany's conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) are pushing for measures to encourage Syrian refugees to return home. Meanwhile, the Bundestag has launched a committee to scrutinise the government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since the fall of the Assad regime in late 2024, few Syrian refugees have returned to their homeland. However, since January 2025, around 2,900 Syrian refugees have left Germany with government support, primarily through the REAG/GARP program. This program offers financial aid to facilitate voluntary returns.

CDU politicians, including interior expert Alexander Throm, want to make Germany less appealing for Syrian refugees to discourage further arrivals. Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservatives also demand more action to encourage returns. They argue that Syrians should participate in their country's rebuilding process.

The Bundestag's new committee will examine the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including mask procurement, vaccine development, and business aid programs. It aims to provide recommendations by June 2027 to better prepare for future crises. Meanwhile, the debate on Syrian refugees' return continues, with the CDU advocating for more incentives to encourage voluntary departures.