Syria has rejected proposals for the large-scale return of its nationals from Germany, warning against any forced deportations amid an ongoing migration debate in Europe.

Syrian foreign minister Asaad al-Shaibani said Syrians living abroad should be viewed as ”strategic resources, not a burden”, dismissing suggestions that they should be compelled to return.

”We categorically reject any attempts at forced deportation. Authorities are working with international partners to rebuild infrastructure and create conditions for a voluntary and dignified return,” he wrote on X.

At a joint press conference, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had said that up to 80 per cent of the more than 900,000 Syrians living in Germany could return home within three years.

He said that returnees would be needed to support reconstruction efforts, while noting that well-integrated Syrians would be allowed to remain.

The remarks sparked criticism across Germany’s political spectrum.

A day later, Mr Merz said the figure had been cited by Mr Al-Sharaa, a claim the Syrian leader rejected during an event in London.

Mr Al-Sharaa insisted that any return of refugees must be voluntary and linked to improvements on the ground in Syria, warning that forced deportations could trigger further displacement.

Germany has hosted more Syrians than any other European Union country since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war, which lasted 14 years.

Following the ousting of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad in late 2024 by a rebel alliance led by Mr Al-Sharaa, calls have intensified among conservative politicians in Germany for refugees to return.

(dpa/NAN)