Syrians in Germany may receive higher repatriation payments
This is reported by Focus, citing sources within government circles.
The payment could be increased to 8,000 euros
According to the publication, the German Federal Ministry of the Interior is exploring the possibility of introducing a one-off payment of 8,000 euros for Syrians who decide to return to Syria. Currently, participants in the voluntary return programme receive an average of around 1,000 euros to help them settle back in after their return. At the same time, the German government believes that the current system is too complex from an administrative point of view, as the amount of assistance is calculated individually for each applicant. Hans-Ekhard Sommer, Head of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, previously stated that the current level of payments is insufficient and needs to be reviewed.
Debate continues in Germany over the initiative
Supporters of increasing payments believe that additional financial incentives could encourage more voluntary returns and, at the same time, reduce the burden on the country’s social security system. In particular, Roman Posek, Minister of the Interior for the federal state of Hesse, stated that even substantial one-off payments could prove more cost-effective for the state compared to long-term social support costs. At the same time, opposition politicians are criticising this idea. Max Lachs, a representative of the Green Party, called the discussion on increasing payments inappropriate, emphasising the complex security situation in Syria and the need to continue integration support for refugees in Germany. According to official figures, there are currently over 900,000 Syrian nationals without German citizenship living in Germany. More than 500,000 of them hold temporary residence permits on the basis of refugee status or subsidiary protection.
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