Germany Conducts First Deportation to Syria Since Onset of Civil War

German authorities have carried out their first deportation to Syria since the outbreak of the civil war in the country more than a decade ago. According to the Federal Ministry of the Interior, a Syrian national convicted of serious criminal offenses was transferred to the custody of authorities in Damascus. The individual, who had been residing in North Rhine-Westphalia, had recently completed a prison sentence for aggravated robbery, bodily harm, and extortion.

This deportation marks a significant policy shift, as removals to Syria had been suspended since 2012 due to ongoing safety concerns. The decision aligns with government agreements between Germany's leading political parties, which stipulated that deportations to countries such as Afghanistan and Syria would resume, particularly for individuals classified as criminal offenders or security threats.

On the same day, another individual was deported to Afghanistan. This person, who had lived in Bavaria, had received multiple convictions, including for intentional assault. Such measures are part of a broader government approach to prioritize the removal of foreign nationals who pose a risk to public safety or have committed severe crimes within Germany.

Over the summer, Germany had already resumed deportations to Afghanistan, sending 81 men identified by the authorities as having committed serious or very serious offenses. The German Interior Minister emphasized the government's commitment to upholding public safety and legal order, stating that society expects decisive actions regarding those who have broken the law.

German officials explained that recent developments in Syria have influenced their decision-making. The longstanding conflict in the country has seen significant changes in political leadership, with a new administration now seeking to open the country to international engagement. This shift, combined with improved communication between German and Syrian authorities, has enabled the establishment of arrangements to facilitate deportations of convicted criminals and individuals considered a threat to public security.

The Syrian individual deported most recently had entered Germany in 2015 and initially received temporary protection status, which was periodically extended. However, following a review by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, and in light of his criminal convictions, the local immigration authority in Gelsenkirchen declined to renew his residency permit and issued a removal order. Despite being urged to leave voluntarily, the individual remained in Germany, leading to his removal by scheduled passenger flight.

Similarly, the Afghan national deported on the same day was also handed over to authorities in his home country after being escorted by federal police officers. This action follows a series of deportations, including an earlier case in December where a convicted offender was returned to Kabul using a commercial airline, moving away from previous reliance on chartered flights.

These recent deportations signal Germany's intent to enforce stricter immigration and public safety measures, particularly regarding individuals who have committed serious crimes. The government maintains that such actions are necessary to uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety of its residents, while also coordinating with authorities in the countries of origin to facilitate the process.