Concerns Rise Over Syrian Doctors in Germany Amid Political Changes

Thousands of Syrian physicians are currently practicing in Germany, and with recent political shifts regarding Bashar Assad, there are growing worries about the repercussions for the German healthcare system should many choose to return to Syria.

Over the past decade, Germany has established itself as a prominent refuge for Syrian nationals, increasing the discussions among some politicians about encouraging the return of at least a portion of these refugees following the recent capture of Damascus by insurgents. However, others have pointed out that many of these exiled individuals possess valuable qualifications, and their departure would be detrimental to Germany, especially in terms of its healthcare professionals.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized the critical role these Syrian workers play, stating last week, “If we were to lose all Syrian professionals currently employed here, significant areas of the health sector would be deeply affected. It’s vital we offer those Syrians who have established lives here, are employed, integrated, law-abiding, and whose children attend school, the opportunity to remain as constructive members of our economy.”

The presence of Syrian professionals has become increasingly significant in a healthcare environment already grappling with workforce shortages, exacerbated by an aging population in Germany.

The German Hospital Federation reports that Syrian doctors represent the largest group of foreign medical professionals in the country, constituting about 2% to 3% of the total.

It is estimated that around 5,000 Syrian physicians are employed in hospitals alone, while Health Minister Karl Lauterbach suggests the overall count of Syrian doctors exceeds 6,000. He stressed their essential role within the healthcare framework.

Gerald Gass, head of the German Hospital Federation, noted a varied perspective among Syrian doctors regarding their future intentions. While some, particularly those with family still residing in Syria, are contemplating a swift return if conditions stabilize, others find comfort and integration in Germany and wish to stay. Nevertheless, he remarked that “there is no sign of an imminent mass exodus” towards Syria.

“The departure of all Syrian doctors would not lead to a collapse of patient care in Germany immediately,” Gass noted. “However, the loss of these personnel, often working within smaller teams, could lead to temporary local facility closures.” He advocated for the respectful treatment of these individuals, adding that hospital administrators are contemplating strategies to fill potential gaps created by their departure.

For many Syrian medical professionals, Germany has now become their permanent residence. Dr. Hiba Alnayef, a pediatric assistant at a Nauen hospital located near Berlin, shared that inquiries about whether all Syrians might leave have been common in recent weeks.

“It’s complex and fraught with uncertainties,” said Dr. Alnayef, originally from Aleppo, who relocated to Germany from Spain in 2016. “This is a thought that crosses my mind—I also possess a sense of belonging to this country.” She expressed a desire to foster collaboration between Germany and Syria, asserting, “The Germans need specialists, while Syria is in dire need of support for reconstruction and restoration given the extensive devastation there. We have the potential to contribute positively to both societies.”

Dr. Alnayef pointed out that should a significant number of Syrian doctors opt to leave, the German healthcare system would experience substantial difficulties—“we are already overworked, at times handling the responsibilities traditionally assigned to several medical professionals.” She acknowledged Germany’s provision of a “safe harbor” but also highlighted the existence of challenges related to discrimination and integration.

Dr. Ayham Darouich, who moved to Germany from Aleppo to pursue a medical degree in 2007 and has been operating his own general practice in Berlin since 2021, expressed that everyone in his immediate network intends to stay.

“The people I know have established their families and practices here—they view Germany as their home,” Darouich remarked, describing fears of mass returns as “somewhat exaggerated and unfounded.”

However, he asserted that Germany needs to enhance its initiatives to retain medical professionals it trains and improve its attractiveness for foreign nationals necessary to address existing shortages.
“Compensation for nurses and medical staff compared to other countries like the U.S. or Switzerland is relatively low,” he pointed out, attributing poor regulation and staffing levels in hospitals as factors that may “drive people away.”