Overview
- Nancy Faeser and Gerhard Karner completed an unannounced visit to Damascus, meeting Syrian Interior Minister Anas Chattab to address migration and security issues.
- The Syrian government agreed to issue necessary documentation to facilitate the deportation of Syrian criminals and Islamist fighters from Germany and Austria.
- Discussions included voluntary return frameworks for refugees, with Faeser emphasizing the importance of supporting those who wish to rebuild their lives in Syria.
- Germany continues to suspend asylum decisions for Syrians, with over 52,000 cases pending, while exploring pilot programs for exploratory return visits without loss of protection status.
- The visit follows the December 2024 overthrow of Bashar al-Assad by an HTS-led coalition, marking a significant shift in Syria's political landscape and international relations.