Immigration

Germany | The fall of the Assad regime in Syria and its impact on the German labor market

Summary

The fall of the Assad regime in Syria could mark a turning point in the region’s history. For the 1.3 million Syrian nationals residing in Germany, the recent developments could lead to new decisions about their future – including potential large-scale returns to their homeland. Companies in Germany employing Syrian professionals must be prepared for the potential implications this might have on the labor market and residency compliance.

The detail

Syrians in Germany

Almost 1.3 million people with a Syrian immigration history live in Germany, 18% of whom were born in Germany. Around 214,000 of them (17%) obtained German citizenship, usually through naturalization. According to naturalization statistics, around 75,000 Syrians were naturalized in 2023 alone, accounting for 38% of all naturalizations and making them the largest group. 712,000 Syrian refugees were registered at the end of 2023 – second largest group after Ukrainians.

Statistics show that Syrians have made significant contributions to the German labor market in recent years, particularly in industries experiencing skill shortages such as engineering, healthcare, and IT. A potential large-scale return to Syria could create challenges for employers, including:

1. Talent Gaps: Industries reliant on Syrian professionals might experience a sudden loss of skilled workers.
2. Recruitment Costs: Employers could face increased costs associated with replacing departing talent.
3. Operational Disruption: Teams and projects relying on specific expertise might face delays or performance issues.

Residency and legal considerations

For employers, navigating the residency and legal framework during such a period of transition is critical. Here are key points to consider:

1. Voluntary Return Policies: Syrian employees who express an interest in returning to Syria may seek guidance on potential voluntary return programs. Employers should be aware of federal and state-level support schemes and legal obligations.
2. Residency Status Changes: Employees holding temporary or subsidiary protection status may lose their residency permits if they leave Germany permanently. Employers must monitor these changes to avoid compliance issues as this rule is being enforced and could be expanded to cover temporary absences.
3. Termination and Repatriation Procedures: Employment contracts and termination processes must comply with German labor law, including proper documentation for employees returning to their home country.
4. Family Reunification: Employees with family members under asylum or protection in Germany may have additional considerations, affecting their decision to return or remain.

Recommended actions for employers

To ensure preparedness and minimize disruptions, we recommend the following steps:

• Proactive Communication: Engage in open discussions with Syrian employees to understand their perspectives and future plans. Offer support where feasible and in line with company policy.
• Legal Audit: Review employment contracts and immigration documentation to ensure compliance with German and EU law in case of employee departures.
• Contingency Planning: Develop strategies to mitigate potential talent gaps, including upskilling current staff, exploring recruitment pipelines, and leveraging global mobility options.

How we can help

We can play a critical role in supporting companies during periods of workforce and legal transitions. Key areas where we can provide assistance include:

1. Policy Guidance: Advising on voluntary return policies and compliance with federal and state programs to ensure smooth employee transitions.
2. Residency Compliance: Monitoring changes in residency permits and work authorizations to avoid penalties and disruptions.
3. Contract Reviews: Ensuring employment contracts and termination processes comply with German labor and immigration laws.
4. Training and Workshops: Offering workshops for HR teams to stay informed about legal requirements and best practices during workforce transitions.

Conclusion

The fall of the Assad regime could create significant ripple effects for Syrian nationals in Germany and the companies that employ them. By staying informed and prepared, businesses can navigate these challenges effectively, ensuring compliance while maintaining workforce stability. For tailored advice on immigration and labor strategies, please contact our team of experts.

Contact us

For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:

Mostafa Massoud
Partner

Eva Witt
Manager

Further information on Vialto Partners can be found here: www.vialtopartners.com

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