The German capital, Berlin, opens the file of returning Syrian refugees through a direct negotiation channel with Damascus, in light of an official approach to deal with the Syrian presence in accordance with legal standards and the level of integration, while the discussions are still continuing without reaching a final agreement.
In an interview with the Rudau Network, the German Interior Minister, Alexander Dobrindt, announced the start of talks with the Syrian side regarding the return of some refugees to their country, explaining that these consultations were launched following the visit of Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa to Germany, and praising the course of the discussions, which he described as “good” despite not being completed yet.
Dobrindt revealed that the German authorities divide the Syrians residing on its territory into three main categories: The first includes perpetrators of serious crimes, as Berlin seeks to deport them “seriously” and urgently. The second includes those who do not have prospects for survival or a clear legal basis for their presence, considering that the option of return must be available to them. The third category concerns Syrians who are well integrated into society, and who have job opportunities and clear prospects, confirming that there is an opportunity for their continued stay in the country.
Regarding return mechanisms, the minister explained that the options presented with Damascus are not limited only to voluntary, motivated return, but also include studying the option of forced deportation.
These developments coincide with a German move to expand the scope of reviewing the protection statuses granted to Syrians. On September 21, Dobrindt announced his country’s desire to expand the scope of return operations to soon include unaccompanied young men who are able to secure their livelihood in Syria, in addition to gradually withdrawing protection status from new categories.
In return, the authorities are considering the possibility of granting those who lose protection status alternative types of work permits or professional residencies to those who possess qualifications that allow them to remain on a different legal basis.
Dobrynt concluded by emphasizing that the final agreement with Damascus has not yet been decided, stressing that the classifications of the three categories do not represent final decisions on return, but rather reflect the general direction and indicators that govern the current Berlin negotiations.
