Germany Supports Voluntary Return of 133 Syrian Refugees with New Aid Program

The federal initiative, launched in January, offers financial and logistical assistance for Syrians returning to their homeland or third countries.

Since January 2025, Germany's government has provided financial aid for 133 Syrians opting for voluntary return, including 40 departures under the new federal program.
The program offers travel assistance, medical cost coverage up to €2,000, and financial start-up support of up to €4,000 per family.
Separate state-level return assistance programs exist, with costs partially reimbursed by the federal government through the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (Bamf).
Germany continues to host nearly one million Syrians, with over 10,000 classified as obligated to leave but mostly holding temporary toleration status.
The recent political shift in Syria, following the December 2024 ousting of Bashar al-Assad, has raised discussions on enabling short-term visits for Syrians to assess conditions for potential permanent return.