The German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) has published Christian Dustmann’s opinion piece “Gehen oder bleiben?” (Stay or Go?). The article discusses the pressing issue of Syrian refugees in Germany and Europe, particularly in light of ongoing debates surrounding integration and immigration policy.
Prof. Dustmann highlights the unique position of Germany, which has accepted over 800,000 Syrian refugees since 2015, making it the primary destination for Syrian asylum seekers in the EU. In 2024 alone, Germany processed over half of all asylum applications in the European Union. Dustmann emphasizes the importance of creating a clear and structured pathway to permanent residency for refugees who demonstrate successful integration into society and the labor market.
The article underscores that by mid-2024, around 50% of Syrian refugees in Germany were engaged in employment or training, making significant contributions in key sectors such as logistics, healthcare, and personal services. Dustmann argues that these contributions are particularly vital in addressing Germany’s critical labor shortages, with an estimated five million workers retiring in the next five years.
To ensure fair and sustainable immigration policies, Dustmann advocates for performance-based criteria for permanent residency, focusing on measurable contributions to the labor market, society, and mastery of the German language. He also suggests that refugees unable to meet these criteria, or those involved in criminal activities, should be considered for repatriation once conditions in Syria stabilize.
Dustmann’s opinion piece offers a balanced perspective, encouraging proactive integration policies while ensuring that immigration remains both equitable and beneficial for the host society. His analysis provides valuable insights into addressing labor market challenges and fostering sustainable refugee policies in Germany and Europe.
