Negotiations with Syria regarding the systematic deportation of convicted criminals are nearing completion, according to German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt. In statements provided to the Bavarian Media Group, Dobrindt indicated a commitment to consistent repatriations, suggesting he is prepared to personally travel to Syria to facilitate the process should it become necessary. Technical-level discussions are reportedly progressing favorably.
Similar efforts are underway with Afghanistan, where cooperation has advanced to the point of allowing for the exchange of personal data between German and Afghan authorities. Afghanistan’s due diligence process, verifying the nationality of potential deportees, is acknowledged and regular deportations are anticipated to follow stabilization of this verification procedure. Dobrindt confirmed a willingness to travel to Afghanistan as well, although the expectation currently is that technical negotiations will suffice. He explicitly stated that deportations are not restricted to male offenders, signifying a potential broadening of repatriation targets.
Responding to accusations that Germany is paying a political price for these repatriations, Dobrindt emphatically denied any such quid pro quo, characterizing the actions of Afghan authorities as demonstrating a willingness to assume international responsibility for their citizens.
The Minister also adopted a firm stance regarding the revocation of residency permits for recognized refugees who travel back to Syria or Afghanistan. Dobrindt argued that such journeys suggest a diminishing need for protection within Germany, citing the accessibility of information through modern communication technologies as an alternative to physical travel. He critically labelled such trips as “reconnaissance missions” highlighting their potential for abuse and raising questions about the genuineness of motivations for return, particularly if individuals intend to freely return to Germany afterward. Dobrindt’s remarks underscore a hardening approach towards asylum seekers and a focus on reinforcing Germany’s border control policies and prioritizing the deportation of individuals deemed to be a risk.
