German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has declared that Syrians no longer have grounds for asylum in Germany following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government, urging them to return and help rebuild their country.

He indicated that voluntary returns are expected, though those who refuse could face deportation, a stance that partly contradicts Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who cited ongoing instability and devastation in Syria.

Over 1 million Syrians live in Germany, with many integrated into the workforce, including more than 7,000 doctors serving critical health needs, raising concerns about the impact of mass returns.

The debate comes amid upcoming state elections where the far-right AfD is challenging the Christian Democrats, and after a recent security incident involving a Syrian national plotting an attack, The Guardian has reported.

Merz has invited Syria’s interim president to Germany to discuss deportations of Syrians with criminal records, while Wadephul emphasized that increasing deportations aligns with the government’s shared goals.