Germany and Syria Agree to Repatriate 80% of Syrian Refugees Over Three Years

Syrian President Al-Sharaa visited Germany for the first time since ousting Assad.

Chancellor Merz announced a plan for repatriating 80% of Syrians within three years.

Al Jazeera

Merkel's decision is still warmly remembered by many Syrians.

Al-Sharaa emphasized establishing a circular migration model.

Merz claimed the 80% figure was also the wish of President Sharaa, a claim Sharaa later denied.

Germany signed an agreement with Damascus allowing regular expulsion of criminals.

Al-Jazeera Net

Only a small number of Syrians have taken up voluntary return programs.

Germany pledged 200 million euros in aid.

“President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited Germany on Monday at the head of an official delegation, in a visit that highlighted the issue of Syrian asylum in this European country, which is the most welcoming of Syrians, as Berlin hosts between 800,000 and 900,000 Syrians, including refugees and asylum seekers”

Al-Jazeera Net

Merz and Al-Sharaa framed reconstruction and return as interconnected.

Merkel is remembered fondly by Syrians even as policy shifts.

The plan's viability remains uncertain.