Overview
- The Interior Ministry says it is negotiating an agreement with Damascus to enable returns, starting with serious criminals as set out in the coalition pact.
- After touring devastated Harasta near Damascus, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said many Syrians cannot return in the short term, with exceptions only for very serious offenders.
- CDU/CSU figures rebuked Wadephul and argued returns are now feasible for most refugees, while CDU general secretary Carsten Linnemann labeled the row a “scheindebatte” and the chancellery called it a “scheinkonflikt.”
- Authorities will not allow exploratory trips to Syria by refugees, meaning travel to the country can jeopardize protection status in Germany.
- UN data indicate more than one million people have returned to Syria since December 2024 as investigators warn of recurring atrocities and renewed conflict risk, and left‑leaning politicians caution against deals with Islamist‑linked interim authorities.