German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said that 80% of the more than 900,000 Syrian nationals in Germany should return to their home country in the next three years.
At a press conference with Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Berlin on Monday, Merz said the leaders agreed that over the "longer term of the next three years," around "80% of the Syrians currently in Germany should return to their homeland."
"That was also the wish of President Sharaa," Merz said, adding that "those Syrians who wish to remain in Germany and are well integrated will be able to stay in Germany."
Germany was one of the main destinations for Syrian refugees fleeing the devastating civil war, with around 1 million arriving in the country during dictator Bashar al-Assad's time in power.
Calls for Syrian nationals to leave Germany have risen in conservative and far-right circles following al-Assad's ousting in late 2024 by an Islamist coalition led by al-Sharaa.
LATEST POSTS
- 1
Top 20 Wellbeing and Wellness Applications for a Sound Way of life - 2What to know about voluntary chocolate recall
- 3What to know about Jack Dorsey's new Vine revival, DiVine
- 4From Educational Loans to Obligation Free: Independence from the rat race Accomplished
- 515 skywatching events you won't want to miss in 2026
- Jesse Jackson hospitalized, under observation for a neurodegenerative condition
- Cathay Pacific raises fuel surcharge on all flights by 34%
- With Obamacare premium hikes, more people opting for no coverage or cheaper plans
- How did life begin on Earth? New experiments support 'RNA world' hypothesis
- Newly Built Sichuan Hydropower Bridge Collapses Into River Months After Opening
- Comet MAPS faces a make-or-break moment as it dives toward the sun on April 4 — could it shine in the daytime sky?
- Portugal among EU countries with the most people working close to 50 hours a week
- Vote in favor of Your Number one BWM Vehicles
- Do you lean your seat back on the plane? These travel pros — and real-life couple — won't do it.
