Several European nations are exploring financial incentives to encourage Syrian refugees to voluntarily return to their home country, as the prolonged cost of hosting them on welfare programs weighs heavily on national budgets.
In Austria, Chancellor Karl Nehammer announced a “return bonus” of €1,000 ($1,000) for Syrians willing to return home. Nehammer argued that the primary reason for many asylum claims—fleeing the Assad regime—no longer holds as strongly. “We are now helping everyone who wants to return voluntarily,” he stated in a recent podcast.
The proposal has sparked mixed reactions. Herbert Kickl, leader of the anti-mass migration Freedom Party of Austria (FPO), criticized the plan, calling it an insult to Austrian taxpayers who are already struggling with inflation. He advocated for a stricter focus on ending refugee status and deporting individuals from regions where conflicts have subsided. Conversely, the Archbishop of Vienna expressed concern, urging compassion and arguing refugees should only return when true peace and justice are restored in Syria.
Germany, too, is considering similar measures ahead of its snap federal election. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), seeking to distance itself from Angela Merkel’s open-border policies, has proposed €1,000 payments and free flights for Syrians who choose to return voluntarily.
Meanwhile, Denmark is offering significantly higher financial incentives. Under its repatriation law, Syrian adults can receive up to 200,000 Danish kronor (€27,000, $28,300), with children eligible for an additional 50,000 kronor (€6,700, $7,000). While these sums have been available for years, only 600 Syrians have taken up the offer since 2019. Denmark’s Integration Minister Kaare Dybvad Bek hopes the worsening economic pressures and evolving conditions in Syria will lead to higher participation.
Though expensive upfront, proponents argue these payments are a cost-effective alternative to long-term welfare dependency. For instance, Denmark’s Bild newspaper notes that if all 45,000 Syrians in the country accepted the offer, the total cost would run into billions. Still, they argue it would save taxpayers money over time, given the low employment rates among many refugees.
As Europe debates these measures, the broader conversation reflects ongoing tensions between fiscal responsibility, public sentiment, and humanitarian obligations.
