Germany explores large-scale return of Syrian refugees

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: BILD
15 Mar 2025 06:04

Germany is considering a large-scale return of Syrian refugees, which could affect 974,000, with discussions between Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and Syria’s interim leader Ahmad al-Sharaa.

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German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, right, and Syria Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani, meet for talks at the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, on February 15, 2025. (DPA via AP)

Germany is reportedly exploring options for the large-scale return of Syrian refugees, with Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser engaging in discussions with Syria’s interim leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa.

According to information obtained by BILD, the German government is considering a diplomatic visit to Damascus to negotiate terms. A spokesperson for the Interior Ministry confirmed to the German newspaper that discussions with the Syrian transitional government are ongoing, particularly concerning the return of Syrians currently residing in Germany.

However, the ministry declined to comment on any specific travel plans.

The potential agreement could see nearly 974,000 Syrians living in Germany return to their country. Government figures indicate that around 512,000 of them receive state benefits, totaling approximately four billion euros ($4.37 billion) annually—an average of 664 euros ($725) per recipient per month.

Since December, the Interior Ministry, in collaboration with the Federal Office for Migration, has been examining "pragmatic ways" to facilitate voluntary returns. One proposal includes allowing Syrians to travel back to assess conditions in their home country without immediately losing their protection status in Germany. A one-time "exploratory trip" to Syria is reportedly under consideration.

Meanwhile, officials close to Bernd Krosser, the State Secretary for the Interior responsible for migration, contend that Syrians adhering to Sunni Islam could eventually see their protection status revoked. They argue that under what they describe as a Sunni-led Syrian leadership, these individuals do not face the threat of persecution.

The discussions also touch on broader geopolitical negotiations. While Syria is reportedly seeking German development aid, Berlin is emphasizing the need for free elections as part of any potential agreement.

UNSC condemns mass killings of Syrians

It is worth noting that affiliates of the Syrian Ministry of Defense and the Interior Security Force, including foreigners, have been determined to be responsible for the majority of killings of at least 1,454 people, 973 of which have been identified as civilians, mostly Alawite Syrians.

Recently, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) issued a statement condemning the murder of innocent civilians and urging Syria's regime to uphold the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their religion or nationality.

The current government, led by al-Sharaa, has faced criticism for being dominated by a single group. Moreover, al-Sharaa was once designated as a wanted terrorist by the United States, with the group he led, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, being classified as a terrorist organization by the UN.

The latest statement, co-authored by the US and Russia, marks a rare moment of agreement between the two major powers on a significant geopolitical issue. The UNSC also expressed grave concern over the "acute threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters," urging Syria to take action in this regard.