German chancellor clarifies Syrian refugee comments after backlash

BERLIN, March 31 (Reuters) - ‌German Chancellor ​Friedrich ​Merz clarified on Tuesday comments he made about the return of Syrian refugees ‌to their homeland after economists and politicians ⁠warned that a mass departure could have a serious ‌economic effect.

At a press ‌conference with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Monday, Merz said some 80% of Syrians in ​Germany were expected to return to their home land in the next three years.

Politicians ⁠from several parties accused Merz of appearing to set an unrealistic ​goal and of damaging integration efforts. In addition, economists warned that an exodus ​on that scale could exacerbate ‌labour shortages in some sectors.

"The Syrian president cited a figure of 80% ⁠of returnees within three years. We have taken note of this figure, but we are aware of ⁠the scale of the task," Merz said in a ​statement.

Germany is home to some one million Syrians, many of whom arrived during the 2015-2016 influx prompted by ‌the war. A growing number have found work, especially in construction, logistics and ‌healthcare, even as a political debate over ⁠migration has intensified and ‌support for the ​anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) surges.

(Reporting by Andreas RinkeWriting by Madeline ChambersEditing by Friederike ‌Heine)

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