In a significant policy shift, Germany has carried out its first deportation of a Syrian national back to Syria since the devastating civil war began in 2011. This landmark decision saw a Syrian immigrant, previously convicted of serious criminal offenses in Germany, flown to Damascus and handed over to Syrian authorities.
The interior ministry in Berlin confirmed the move, emphasizing that “Our society has a legitimate interest in ensuring that criminals leave our country.” This sentiment reflects a growing political push by Germany’s conservative-led government to resume deportations of individuals deemed “criminals and dangerous” to countries like Syria and Afghanistan, despite ongoing instability.
This particular individual had served a prison sentence in Germany for aggravated robbery, bodily harm, and extortion – serious crimes that prompted the government to act. The deportation caps months of complex diplomatic talks with the Syrian government, mirroring similar efforts to secure deportation agreements with authorities in Afghanistan. In fact, on the same day, an Afghan man with a criminal record was also sent back to his home country.
While human rights organizations have voiced strong criticism, citing the continued instability and documented abuses in Syria and Afghanistan, the German government views these deportations as a diplomatic priority. They argue that deals have now been struck to allow for regular returns of such individuals.
With roughly a million Syrians having sought refuge in Germany since 2011, many arriving during the major influx of 2015, this first deportation marks a pivotal moment. It signals a new, tougher stance on immigration policy, balancing humanitarian concerns with national security and public order. This decision follows Austria, which became the first EU country to deport someone to Syria in July. Germany’s move is poised to reshape the discourse around immigration and national interest.
Source: https://24newshd.tv/23-Dec-2025/germany-deports-man-syria-first-time-since-2011
