German interior minister proposes revoking Syrian protection and boosting voluntary return incentives

Alexander Dobrindt, Germany's interior minister, has announced a plan to have the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees review and possibly cancel the protection status of a wide range of Syrian asylum seekers. The review would initially target unaccompanied young men who rely on social assistance and are not employed. Those who are employed, including professionals like doctors and nurses, could be offered a transition to a work-related residence permit.

In parallel, Dobrindt seeks to enhance measures that make voluntary return more attractive, contending that it is cheaper than compulsory removal. The government’s upcoming budget for 2027 already earmarks additional resources for these voluntary departure programs.