(de-news.net) – German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) has announced a significant tightening of migration policy, with a particular focus on increasing deportations to Afghanistan and Syria. As part of this shift, negotiations with both countries are reportedly underway. The coalition agreement outlines that deportations to Syria should begin with individuals convicted of crimes, contingent on a formal arrangement with the new Islamist-led government in Damascus. These discussions are ongoing and have yet to yield a finalized agreement.
In addition to targeting criminal offenders, Dobrindt has instructed the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) to resume processing asylum applications from young Syrian men who lack legal residency. These individuals are expected to face deportation under the revised policy. Moreover, the Interior Ministry has dismissed proposals to allow short-term visits to Syria without legal consequences. As a result, Syrian nationals who travel back to their homeland risk losing their protected status in Germany.
The previous administration had considered implementing exploratory trips to Syria to assess conditions for voluntary return, similar to a policy adopted by Turkey. However, this initiative was ultimately shelved and never put into practice. Meanwhile, negotiations with the Taliban regarding deportations to Afghanistan are reportedly nearing completion, despite Germany’s lack of formal diplomatic ties and widespread international criticism of the Taliban’s human rights record. Several deportations have already occurred with logistical support from Qatar.
Although the transitional Syrian government, led by President al-Scharaa, claims to be working toward national stabilization, the situation remains volatile. Incidents of violence and allegations of discrimination against ethnic and religious minorities continue to raise concerns. Legal experts caution that even with repatriation agreements in place, actual deportations depend heavily on individual risk assessments conducted by authorities and courts. BAMF is required to evaluate each asylum application thoroughly, and rejected applicants retain the right to appeal. Ultimately, the decision to carry out deportations lies with the federal states, which oversee enforcement.
