In a dramatic escalation of Germany’s restrictive turn on migration, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt plans to instruct the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) to re-examine the protection status of up to half a million Syrians. According to Bundestag sources, the initial focus will be on single men receiving welfare benefits, but legal experts say the review could ultimately reach all Syrians whose asylum reason was linked to the Assad regime – deposed in late 2024. Germany currently hosts about 900,000 Syrians; more than 530,000 enjoy recognised refugee, Geneva-Convention or subsidiary status. Since January, BAMF has already stepped up “withdrawal procedures”, revoking protection in 23 % of reviewed Syrian cases. Removing that status does not automatically cancel a residence permit, but local foreigners’ authorities could refuse extensions, forcing employers to suspend or terminate work contracts. German tech firms and Mittelstand manufacturers fear a talent drain. Syrians account for roughly 315,000 social-insurance jobs, many in software testing, metalworking and vehicle maintenance. HR departments must prepare contingency plans: from switching key staff onto Blue Cards where salary thresholds allow, to initiating EU intra-corporate-transfer (ICT) permits. Companies are also advised to offer legal-aid support; past court data show that over 35 % of BAMF withdrawals are overturned on appeal. For mobility professionals the message is clear: audit employee nationality data now, consult with local immigration counsel and build longer lead times into assignment planning – especially for 2027 budgeting, when thousands of residence titles could face expiry.
Source: Der Tagesspiegel
