German Citizenship Contributing to Decline in Number of Syrians Residing in Germany
Germany’s Interior Ministry has reported a slight decrease in the number of Syrians living in the country, attributing the main reason to many having obtained German citizenship.
The ministry clarified that the return of some Syrians to their homeland after the easing of the conflict was not the primary factor in the decline. Instead, it noted that most refugees who arrived during the 2015 and 2016 migration waves have now become eligible for citizenship.
It also explained that individuals who acquire German citizenship are removed from the foreign nationals registry, even if they retain their original nationality.
Deportation of Syrians from Germany
According to data from the Central Register of Foreign Nationals, as of the end of March, there were 968,899 Syrians in Germany. Of these, 10,729 are subject to potential deportation, but the vast majority (9,649 people) have temporary residence status that protects them from immediate expulsion.
It’s worth noting that no deportations to Syria have been recorded since 2012. When Syrian asylum seekers are asked to leave Germany, they are usually transferred to another European country responsible for their asylum claim under the Dublin Regulation.
Return of Refugees to Syria
More than 600 people have returned to Syria since the beginning of 2024 with financial assistance from German governmental bodies. Since January 13, the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees has been supporting voluntary returns to Syria, according to the Interior Ministry.
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UNHCR: Summer a Crucial Opportunity for Syrian Refugee Returns
