Policy Briefs
Policy briefs published by the Refugee Advisory Board Germany for decision-makers and partner institutions.
Policy briefs archive
Policy Brief: Conditions Shaping Syrians’ Futures and Prospects for Return
by Majdi Laktinah
Conditions Shaping Syrians’ Futures and Prospects for Return
Following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, discussions on the return of Syrian refugees intensified across diaspora communities, inside Syria and among host countries. The approximately 948,000 Syrians living in Germany have been debating the issue in several respects. Many have built lives in Germany through education, employment and civic participation, with a growing number obtaining permanent residency or citizenship. Public discussions on return gained momentum during the parliamentary elections in 2025, when migration and refugee policy featured prominently.
Policy Brief: Mehr als nur Überleben: Psychische Gesundheit und Zugehörigkeit Geflüchteter in Deutschland
by Zohra Wandaa
Mehr als nur Überleben: Psychische Gesundheit und Zugehörigkeit Geflüchteter in Deutschland
Bestehende psychosoziale Angebote sind fragmentiert, unterfinanziert und oft nicht zugänglich. Zu den Hürden zählen Stigmatisierung, Sprachbarrieren, Angst im Umgang mit Behörden und ein Mangel an qualifiziertem Fachpersonal. In vielen Aufnahmeeinrich tungen sind psychologische Dienste allenfalls für akute Fälle verfügbar, oft ohne Dolmet scher:innen und ohne ausreichende Kapazitäten. Die meisten Angebote bleiben projekt basiert und kurzfristig angelegt, was die Kontinuität der Betreuung und Vertrauensaufbau untergräbt. Rechtliche Anerkennung und Erwerbstätigkeit sind wichtige Meilensteine, gewährleisten jedoch keine psychosoziale Stabilität. Geflüchteten fehlen oft die Möglichkeiten, ihre Identität, Handlungsfähigkeit und das Gefühl von Zugehörigkeit wiederaufzubauen.
Policy Brief: Beyond Survival: Refugee Mental Health and Belonging in Germany
by Zohra Wandaa
Beyond Survival: Refugee Mental Health and Belonging in Germany
Existing psychosocial services are fragmented, underfunded and often inaccessible. Barriers include stigma, language gaps, fear of authorities and a shortage of trained professionals. In many reception centres, psychological services are available only for acute cases, often without interpreters, and are insufficient for the population size. Most services remain project-based and short-term, undermining continuity of care and trust.
Policy Brief: Bilateral Labour Recruitment Agreement: Germany – Syria
by Jamil Alyou
A Policy Framework to Address Germany’s Skilled Labour Shortages and Syria’s Reconstruction Needs
Germany faces a critical labour shortage due to an ageing population and years of strong economic demand. At the same time, Syria is emerging from over a decade of conflict that devastated its economy. While Syria’s domestic economy struggles to absorb workers, many Syrian nationals (including refugees abroad) have acquired education and skills that could be utilised more efficiently. This situation presents an opportunity for a mutually beneficial labour mobility partnership.