The German Interior Minister, Alexander Dobrindt of the CSU party, has introduced a controversial new dimension to Germany’s refugee policy, linking integration efforts directly to the potential for deportation for Syrian asylum seekers. In an interview with “Der Spiegel”, Dobrindt stated that individuals actively engaging in integration and securing employment will be considered for permanent residency, while those failing to do so face the prospect of returning to Syria. He declined to quantify how many Syrian citizens might be subject to deportation, emphasizing that the onus lies with the individuals themselves to demonstrate successful integration.
Dobrindt’s statements represent a hardening of Germany’s position towards Syrian refugees, arriving at a time when the country grapples with managing a significant asylum seeker population. Critics argue that the policy shift risks penalizing vulnerable individuals fleeing a complex and ongoing civil war, effectively placing undue pressure to integrate under conditions often beyond their control. The lack of specific figures regarding potential deportations fuels anxiety and uncertainty within Syrian communities in Germany.
Further complicating the situation, Dobrindt rejected the possibility of exploratory trips to Syria for deported candidates, citing access to information via smartphones and the potential for familial contact as sufficient indicators of the situation on the ground. This decision has been condemned by human rights organizations, who argue that such visits are vital for assessing individual safety and risk before any deportation order is considered. The rationale provided – that individuals who can readily access information are, by implication, not at risk – has been labelled as naive and potentially dangerous.
Beyond Syria, Dobrindt signaled an escalation of deportation efforts targeting Afghanistan. While charter flights for returns have previously been facilitated with Qatar’s assistance, his ambition is to establish regular repatriation flights organized directly with the Taliban-led government. This prospect has drawn condemnation from various quarters, raising concerns about the human rights situation for those returned to Afghanistan under the Taliban’s rule, particularly women and vulnerable minorities. The announced pursuit of “regular” flights underscores a determined shift towards a more assertive and potentially riskier approach to deportation policy.