The German federal government is considering the creation of new incentives to encourage Syrian refugees to return voluntarily to their home country. According to reports citing government sources in the news magazine Focus, the Federal Ministry of the Interior, currently overseen by Alexander Dobrindt (CSU), is exploring a potential return premium of 8,000 Euros.
Currently, repatriates receive an average of 1,000 Euros to aid their resettlement in Syria. However, this existing benefit comes with considerable administrative burden because the precise amount must be calculated individually for every refugee. The proposed 8,000 Euro incentive, in contrast, would be a fixed, lump-sum payment.
Given the current, relatively low number of Syrians returning, the calls for increased incentives have been growing. Hans-Eckhard Sommer, the head of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (Bamf), recently stated in Spiegel that the current allowance is insufficient and that the necessary amount should be significantly higher.
Daniel Thym, an asylum law expert from Constance, views more attractive repatriation payments as a “meaningful component” but cautioned that “money alone is no panacea”. The migration law expert advocated for a mix of incentives and enforcement measures, suggesting a blend of “carrot and stick” in addition to financial aid and incentives. He emphasized that deterrents, such as ongoing revoking of protection statuses and the threat of immediate deportation flights, are also necessary.
Roman Poseck, the Interior Minister for Hesse (CDU), supports the idea of considering stronger financial incentives for voluntary return to Syria. He argues that if encouraging more Syrians to leave could prove economically sound, even substantial support payments-potentially ranging from four to five digits-could remain a long-term financial benefit to the state compared to the cumulative costs of social welfare services. The primary goal, he stated to Focus, should be to facilitate an orderly restart in the country of origin for those legally required to leave and who have no prospect of staying, thereby sustainably relieving the social welfare system. However, Poseck simultaneously insisted that voluntary return is only sustainable if those due to leave understand that deportation will be consistently enforced otherwise.
Opposition parties, however, have strongly criticized the initiative. Max Lucks, a Green Party politician, called speculating on higher return premiums for Syria “completely absurd” particularly while Islamist groups are still present and the Bamf largely downplays the dire situation in the country. He questioned why the government should spend more taxpayer money on what he called “ideologically driven politics” especially given that integration benefits are being cut.
Currently, over 900,000 Syrians reside in Germany without German citizenship. More than 500,000 hold temporary residence permits based on subsidiary protection or refugee status.
Finally, the political context remains fluid; Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) stated last November that the alleged demise of long-time dictator Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 means there are “no grounds whatsoever for asylum in Germany”.