Syrian Refugee Returns Surge Turkey, Remain Low Germany Post-Assad

Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2024, the number of Syrian refugees returning to Syria from Germany has been slowly rising but remains relatively low, with 1,867 people returning with federal assistance by the end of August 2025. Despite this increase, the majority of Syrians remain in Germany, where nearly one million live, many having built lives and gained citizenship, with over 83,000 naturalized in 2024 alone. In contrast, neighboring countries like Turkey have seen a sharp acceleration in returns, with nearly half a million Syrians repatriating since the regime change, facilitated by streamlined border procedures and relative calm in northern Syria. The low return rate from Germany is attributed to ongoing security risks, destroyed infrastructure, and difficult living conditions in parts of Syria, particularly outside central Damascus, where basic services like electricity and schooling remain scarce. Humanitarian groups and surveys highlight that many refugees are hesitant to return due to these challenges, as well as shrinking feelings of welcome in Europe, which encourages settlement rather than repatriation. Meanwhile, asylum applications from Syrians to Germany continue, with 17,650 filed in 2025, underscoring the complex dynamics of displacement and return in the post-Assad era.