“We have to wait and see how the situation in Syria develops,” advises Olga Riedinger from the return counselling centre at the Tübingen District Office during tuenews International’s editorial visit. After the fall of dictator Assad, many refugees are considering returning to their home country. This is also noticeable in the counselling centre. The number of enquiries has increased, Riedinger confirms.
Few returnees to Syria
In recent years, the interest of Syrians in returning to their home country has been rather low. In 2023, seven people received counselling. However, nobody went to Syria. According to Riedinger from the Tübingen advice centre, those interested changed their minds. Often, the home country is idealised, but the reality is quite different. Children also play a role. They are well integrated in Germany, go to school or are in vocational training. A total of 80 people from various countries sought counselling in 2023.
State programme for voluntary return
The advice centre in Tübingen offers comprehensive information on how to overcome the many hurdles. It advises on obtaining documents, which authorities and insurance companies need to be informed, and how to plan the journey. The centre also arranges partner organisations for reintegration.
And there is money from a funding programme of the state of Baden-Württemberg. For example, the travel costs and the costs for obtaining passports are covered. There is a 200-euro travel allowance and 1,000-euro start-up allowance per adult. To get money, you have to prove your need. German citizens cannot take advantage of the funding programme.
The advice centre is aware of two groups of people who want to return quickly: refugees who have not been able to integrate and those who are severely homesick.
Money from the federal government for returnees to Syria
The federal government is now once again providing funding for refugees who wish to return to Syria. With the REAG/GARP 2.0 (Reintegration and Emigration Programme for Asylum-Seekers in Germany/Government Assisted Repatriation Programme) funding programme, the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees – BAMF for short – is supporting people to voluntarily return to their country of origin or to migrate to a country that is willing to accept them. This programme can also provide money for comprehensive medical care, for example. The federal programme replaces the state funding, which expires on 31 March 2025. The application must be submitted via the return counselling centre of the district office.
The latest information can be found on the website https://www.returningfromgermany.de/de/centres/. Those interested in returning can find out about the type of support there themselves. All they have to do is enter the relevant country in the search window.
Consider the security situation in Syria
Before one can talk about returning to Syria on a large scale, the security situation must be taken into account, Ms Riedinger continues. In addition, one must have the entire infrastructure in view: consular services for passport procurement, as well as functioning flight and travel routes. Bank connections between the countries would have to be re-established. Above all, reintegration partners such as Caritas or other organisations in Syria are urgently needed.
Appointments at the return counselling centre at the Tübingen District Office must be made in advance.
Contact: rueckkehrberatung@kreis-tuebingen.de
Further information can be found at:
JUM BaWü | Voluntary return
State program for voluntary return:
Regional Councils BaWü | Voluntary Departure
Support program for Syria and other crisis areas:
Regional Councils BaWü | Voluntary Departure Syria
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