First Deportation to Syria in 15 Years
German authorities have sent a convicted Syrian national back to Damascus, the first such deportation since the Syrian conflict started nearly 15 years ago. The individual had been imprisoned for serious crimes including robbery and assault.
On the same Tuesday morning, an Afghan man convicted of bodily harm was also deported, making this the second deportation within a single week according to official statements.
Government's Stance on Migration
"Deportations to Syria and Afghanistan must be possible. Our society has a legitimate interest in ensuring that criminals leave our country," stated Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, emphasizing a firm approach to migration policy.
Germany had suspended direct deportations to Syria after war erupted in 2011. Following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad last year, discussions about refugee returns intensified, though previous governments cautioned about safety concerns.
The current conservative-led administration under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, which assumed power in May, has adopted stricter migration policies, pledging to restart deportations to both countries beginning with convicted offenders.
Background of Deported Individuals
The 37-year-old Syrian man deported on Tuesday had resided in Gelsenkirchen, western Germany, for approximately ten years after arriving in 2015. His residence permit was initially granted and extended multiple times before migration authorities revoked his protected status.
Local officials explained that his criminal record, combined with the status revocation, led to denial of further permit extensions and eventual deportation after he failed to leave voluntarily.
The Afghan national deported the same day was previously based in Bavaria. This follows another Afghan deportation to Kabul on December 17.
Policy Developments and Agreements
Since the Taliban regained control in August 2021, Germany has conducted two group deportations of Afghan nationals with Qatari assistance, including one flight in August 2024 under the previous government.
German officials have now established agreements with both Syria's new government and Afghanistan's Taliban regime to facilitate regular deportations of convicted criminals and security risks.
Chancellor Merz stated in November, "The civil war in Syria is over. There are now no longer any grounds for asylum in Germany, which means we can begin repatriation." He later clarified that Germany would not deport those facing political or religious persecution.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed concern about conditions in Syria during an October visit, noting in Harasta suburb, "It is barely possible for people to live here with dignity. In the near future, [Syrian refugees] can not return." These remarks faced criticism from within his own party, which has advocated for resumed deportations.
