The number of Syrians migrating to Germany fell by 40.6% between January and September 2026 compared with the same period last year.
According to preliminary migration statistics released by Germany’s Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) on Monday, November 9, German authorities recorded approximately 23,800 Syrian migrants arriving in Germany between January and September 2026.
The report showed that approximately 40,100 Syrians migrated to Germany during the same period in 2025, while the figure stood at just over 74,600 during the corresponding period in 2024, before the fall of the Assad regime.
More Syrians Leaving Germany
The number of Syrians leaving Germany has increased, according to the Federal Statistical Office, with departures rising by 7.6% between January and September 2026.
Approximately 23,700 departures were recorded during this period, compared with just over 22,000 during the first three quarters of 2025 and 16,100 during the corresponding period in 2024.
The Federal Statistical Office said that 1.28 million people with a Syrian immigrant background live in Germany, 19% of whom were born in the country.
It explained that arrivals and departures were nearly equal between January and September 2026. Overall, net migration among Syrian nationals stood at just under 100 people during this period.
This figure was significantly lower than those recorded during the corresponding periods in previous years. Between January and September 2025, net migration among Syrians stood at just under 18,100, compared with slightly more than 58,500 during the same period in 2024, before the change of government in Syria.
Germany Identifies Three Groups of Syrians for Return
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said in an interview with Rudaw television, published on September 26, that Germany had begun talks with Syria concerning the return of Syrian nationals, explaining that the two countries had not yet reached a final agreement.
Dobrindt added that Berlin was working intensively with Damascus on returning certain groups of Syrians to their country. He said the discussions began following Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s visit to Germany in March and that the process was progressing well, although it had not yet been concluded.
The minister explained that German authorities distinguish between three main groups of Syrians living in the country when considering their potential return.
The first group includes those who have committed serious crimes in Germany. Dobrindt said his country wants to return these individuals as quickly as possible.
The second group consists of people who lack a clear legal basis for remaining in Germany. The minister said the option of returning to Syria should be available to this group.
The third group includes Syrians who have integrated successfully into German society, secured employment and have prospects and opportunities to remain in the country. Dobrindt said the government believes this group has a future in Germany.
According to the German minister, the government is considering two parallel approaches to the issue. The first involves forced deportations in cases that meet the relevant legal requirements, while the second focuses on voluntary returns, with financial incentives offered to encourage those wishing to leave.