In a historic move, Germany has deported a Syrian national for the first time since the start of Syria’s civil war in 2011.
Kabul 24: The deportation coincided with the expulsion of an Afghan citizen, marking a significant shift in Berlin’s migration policy.
Germany’s Interior Ministry announced that a 37-year-old Syrian man, resident in North Rhine-Westphalia, was convicted of armed robbery, grievous bodily harm, and extortion. After serving his prison sentence, he was flown to Damascus on Tuesday, December 23, 2025.
Federal police escorted him to the Syrian capital and handed him over to local authorities.Simultaneously, another individual was deported to Afghanistan under the same framework.
The ministry confirmed that Berlin has reached agreements with Damascus authorities and representatives in Kabul to enable “regular” deportations of dangerous criminals and security threats in the future.Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt defended the policy, stating: “Criminals must leave our country.
We stand for control, consequences, and a zero-tolerance approach toward crime and threats.” He added that municipalities and local institutions are under heavy pressure due to convicted foreign nationals, describing the situation as critical.
The decision follows months of diplomatic efforts and comes after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024, which ended Syria’s 14-year civil war and prompted a review of the long-standing ban on returns to the country.
Under the German governing coalition agreement, the resumption of deportations to Syria and Afghanistan will initially target serious criminals and individuals suspected of posing security risks.
However, human rights organizations have warned about the security situation in Syria and potential dangers for returnees.
These deportations are part of Germany’s tougher migration policy amid rising crimes linked to some migrants, public pressure, and influence from right-wing parties.
Berlin hopes these measures will ease the burden on local institutions and enhance public safety.
