New chapter for Syrians in Germany: return assistance or asylum stop?

New chapter for Syrians in Germany: return assistance or asylum stop?

Berlin, Germany –A dramatic turning point in Syrian history! After the fall of long-time dictator Bashar al-Assad, Germany, which hosts the largest Syrian exile in Europe, made a shocking decision: Syrian citizens' asylum applications will be temporarily stopped! In less than 48 hours after the historic event, the German government took action and put 47,770 ongoing asylum procedures on hold.

A high-ranking official at the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees told the news magazine Der Spiegel that this measure was necessary due to the unclear and unpredictable political situation in Syria. “The decisions on asylum applications are on shaky ground,” said the official. Uncertainty about future security in Syria is forcing the authorities to act cautiously.

Political turmoil and offers of return

The political mood in Germany has turned strongly against immigration in recent years. After a fatal knife attack in Solingen, committed by a rejected Syrian asylum seeker, leading politicians, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz, are calling for the deportation ban for criminals to Syria to be lifted. The opposition, particularly the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is pushing for Syrians to be returned to their homeland en masse.

“I believe that there will be a reassessment of the situation in Syria,” said Jurgen Hardt, a CDU MP, on ZDF. Jens Spahn, another CDU politician, suggested organizing charter flights and offering every returning Syrian 1,000 euros. “A lasting peace in Syria would mean that many Syrians would lose their need for protection,” warned Andrea Lindholz, the CDU’s domestic policy spokeswoman.

A new chapter for Syrians in Germany

The reactions among Syrians in Germany are overwhelming! Over the weekend, thousands celebrated the fall of al-Assad in cities such as Berlin, Hamburg and Munich. In the Berlin districts of Neukölln and Kreuzberg, cars carrying the Syrian opposition flag drove through the streets as crowds sang and danced. “My feelings are completely mixed,” said Mohammad al Masri, a 32-year-old who has lived in Germany for almost a decade. “I can finally go home and see my family again!”

The hope for a better future is within reach! Roaa, 30, who works as a software engineer in Berlin, is already planning her return. “We have hope because we, the Syrian people, love each other and love our country,” she said. “It will take a lot of work to make Syria a place where we can live with dignity, but this is already a big first step.”

However, the federal government remains cautious. A spokesman for the Interior Ministry emphasized that it was still unclear whether Syria was safe for returnees. Syria is currently not classified as a safe country to return to due to the war and the high risk of torture. The debate over refugee policy will certainly intensify in the coming months as the political landscape continues to change.