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Secret Talks Between Germany and Syria’s Interim Government on Refugee Repatriation
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The details of negotiations between both sides remain unclear, while the German government confirms its communication with relevant authorities in Syria to discuss return arrangements without disclosi
Germany's Interior Ministry is engaged in undisclosed consultations with Syria's interim president, Ahmad Al-Shar'a, regarding the potential repatriation of approximately 900,000 Syrian refugees residing in Germany, according to the German newspaper Bild.
The report states that German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser is leading these talks with Syria’s temporary caretaker government, seeking a mechanism to facilitate the return of hundreds of thousands of Syrians. One proposal under discussion is offering some refugees the opportunity for an “exploratory visit” to Syria without affecting their legal status in Germany.
A spokesperson for the German Interior Ministry confirmed, in response to Bild’s inquiries, that Berlin is in contact with the Syrian interim government to discuss possible repatriation arrangements. However, he declined to disclose any details regarding specific travel plans.
The newspaper also reported that Germany is preparing for a sensitive diplomatic visit to Damascus as part of negotiations concerning the fate of 974,000 Syrian refugees currently in the country. The outcome of these discussions could have a significant impact on future migration and asylum policies.
Furthermore, the report highlighted the financial implications of this plan on Germany’s budget. Estimates indicate that around 512,000 Syrians in Germany receive social benefits amounting to approximately four billion euros annually—equivalent to 664 euros per refugee per month—prompting the German government to explore practical solutions to address this issue.
