Syrian Immigrants in Germany Favor Naturalization Amid Ongoing Syrian Crisis

As of late November 2023, nearly 940,401 Syrians reside in Germany, with over half enjoying recognized protection status. Contrary to assumptions that the decrease in Syrians registered as foreign nationals stems from repatriation, the reduction largely results from a wave of naturalizations. In 2024 alone, Germany recorded a historic 291,955 naturalizations, including 83,150 Syrians, indicating a strong preference among Syrian immigrants to integrate permanently rather than return to their homeland.

The decision coincides with a continuously dire humanitarian situation in Syria, where roughly 70% of the population remains dependent on aid, underscoring the critical conditions that deter many from returning. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul criticized calls for repatriation, emphasizing the volatile situation in Syria despite the cessation of the civil war.

Political discourse reflects these tensions. The conservative CSU party advocates for a deportation campaign after the presumed stabilization in Syria, contending that the grounds for protection are no longer valid. However, multiple German courts have ruled against this notion, deciding that Syrians do not face imminent danger upon return. Furthermore, the number of asylum applications by Syrians has significantly dropped—from 76,765 in 2024 to 23,256 last year, a sign of evolving migration trends.

Adding complexity, Ahmed al-Scharaa, designated transitional president of Syria and leader of HTS, plans an official visit to Berlin, where he will meet Chancellor Friedrich Merz. His visit receives mixed responses from the approximately 1.22 million Syrians in Germany, with many welcoming rapprochement efforts but others, including Kurds and Jesid representatives, expressing criticism. Parliamentary groups like the Greens and the Left advocate for residence rights specifically for Jesids from Iraq and Syria, cautioning against the deportation of genocide survivors. Clara Bünger, Left’s refugee policy spokesperson, labeled deportations of such vulnerable groups as “irresponsible and outrageous.”

Overall, Syrian immigrants in Germany continue to choose naturalization and permanent integration over return, driven by both the precarious conditions in Syria and supportive political and civil rights debates within Germany, ensuring their growing role in the country’s social fabric.