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Berlin Reviews Syrian Refugees' Status After Fall of Assad Regime
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German Policy Moves Towards Comprehensive Review of Syrian Refugees, Focusing on Integrating Settled Individuals and Returning Those No Longer Needing Protection
German Interior Minister Nancy Weser reviewed the possibility of returning some Syrian refugees to their country under specific conditions.
Weser highlighted in statements published by the "Funke" media group on Sunday, January 5, 2025: "According to our law, the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees will review and cancel protection grants if persons no longer need this protection in Germany due to stabilization of the situation in Syria".
The German official, belonging to the Social Democratic Party led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, stated that this procedure will apply to those without other reasons for residence such as work or study, who refuse voluntary return to Syria.
She emphasized coordination between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior to form a more comprehensive view of the Syrian landscape after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, confirming "we are focusing particularly on security issues".
Weser clarified that German authorities will grant residence rights to those integrated into society, working, and proficient in the German language, while providing assistance to those wishing to return, indicating the necessity of deporting criminals and extremists as quickly as possible.
Interior Ministry statistics indicate approximately 975,000 Syrians in Germany, most of whom arrived after 2015 due to the Syrian conflict, including over 300,000 with subsidiary protection granted due to war rather than individual persecution.
The Federal Office for Migration has temporarily frozen the processing of Syrian asylum applications, given the rapid developments in Syria.
Levant-Agencies
