Denmark.Photo: migrantskij-front.
Denmark has introduced a new financial support programme for Syrians who voluntarily wish to return to their homeland. Each adult repatriate receives 27,000 euros (200,000 DKK), and families with children are entitled to an additional 50,000 DKK per child (approximately 6,700 euros). These payments are part of the repatriation programme, which provides financial support to those who wish to return to Syria. The programme was introduced as part of the repatriation law, which provides both financial and social support for people returning home. This is reported by Time Ukraine Israel portal, citing BILD.
Voluntary repatriation policy: explanation by the Minister
Kaare Dibvad Beck, Minister of Social Democratic Integration of Denmark, noted that since 2015, more than 5,100 Syrians have left the country, of which about 600 have voluntarily returned to Syria since 2019. The repatriation programme provides not only financial support, but also assistance with integration in Syria upon return. The minister expressed hope that in the light of new developments, the number of people taking advantage of this programme would increase.
The financial burden on Denmark
As of 1 January 2024, there were around 45,000 people of Syrian origin living in Denmark, including 28,000 adults and 17,000 children. If all of them took advantage of the repatriation programme, it could cost Denmark around €865 million. However, in the context of high unemployment and social tensions among Syrian immigrants in Denmark, the government believes that such a programme could be financially beneficial for the country, as many Syrians are unable to find work in the local labour market.
The German proposal and its implications
At the same time, Germany is also actively discussing the issue of repatriating Syrian refugees. The Vice President of the CDU parliamentary group, Jens Spahn, proposed to provide Syrians with a free flight and €1,000 to enter the country if they voluntarily return to Syria. However, this proposal caused a fierce debate, particularly among political leaders of his own party. Dennis Radtke, one of the leaders of the CDU, said that there should be no rush to take such initiatives, as humanitarian and economic reasons require a more cautious approach.
Political debate in Germany
The debate on repatriation is becoming even more acute in Germany in the run-up to the federal elections. Statements about the imminent return of refugees and the provision of substantial benefits to them may in fact have unintended consequences for the political situation, creating additional difficulties for the government.
Denmark’s repatriation programme for Syrians shows how the country is trying to find the right balance between supporting immigrants and ensuring social stability. Meanwhile, in Germany, the issue of repatriation is controversial, and while Spahn’s proposals may look like an opportunity for humanitarian aid, they also require serious analysis in terms of economic and social consequences.
