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Recent developments following the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024 have brought the protection status of Syrian refugees in Europe and their prospect of a return to the forefront of policy debates. According to UNHCR, 5.2 million Syrian refugees are currently registered in neighbouring countries (UNHCR, 2024a). There are more than 1.5 million Syrian refugees in Europe, including about one million in Germany. Despite a decline in large-scale violence, Syria remains a fragile state, characterised by widespread mistrust of the governing authorities, ongoing internal conflicts and a high dependency on humanitarian assistance (Dinçer & Şahin-Mencütek, 2025). 

The premature return of refugees risks exacerbating the situation, especially in the face of serious challenges such as food insecurity, high inflation, demographic shifts and territorial disputes, as well as safety risks. For families with children born in exile, reintegration is particularly difficult and requires long-term planning and preparation. Claims like these have a divisive effect, spreading fear and uncertainty among Syrians currently living in Germany. They also portray the asylum system as an obstacle to swift political action rather than a legitimate instrument providing much-needed protection and legal safeguards.