The German government has announced its intention to adopt a new mechanism allowing Syrian refugees to make temporary visits to Syria without losing their protection status in Germany, as part of measures aimed at encouraging voluntary return.
The decision, which is still under consultation, has sparked political controversy, with clear opposition from the Christian Social Union (CSU), which warned that the move could turn into "recreational trips disguised as exploratory visits."
A spokeswoman for the German Interior Ministry confirmed in press statements from Berlin that these facilities will be granted "under strict conditions" and are intended exclusively to enable Syrians to assess the possibility of final return, such as inspecting their homes or checking on their relatives inside the country.
This initiative comes in light of changes in the Syrian situation, according to the ministry's assessment.
According to the draft, visits of up to four weeks, or two periods of two weeks each per year, are proposed, subject to prior registration with the relevant authorities and proof that the visit is intended to prepare for return and not for any other purpose.
This plan, according to the Welt newspaper, contradicts current legislation that stipulates the possibility of revoking protection from refugees if they return to their country of origin, as this indicates that the reasons for asylum, particularly the risk of persecution, no longer exist.
Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann (CSU) expressed his objection to the new approach and sent an official letter to Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD), expressing his fear of "chaos in travel between Syria and Germany." He called for a unified European solution instead of what he described as "unilateral steps."
It is worth noting that the Christian Social Union (CSU) is preparing to assume the Interior Ministry in the next government, amid a trend toward strengthening stricter immigration and asylum policies.
According to official statistics issued by the Federal Statistical Office, approximately 712,000 people with the status of "protection seekers" from Syria live in Germany, while the number of residents of Syrian origin amounts to approximately 1.3 million, 18% of whom were born in Germany.
Hassan Qaddour - Zaman Al-Wasl
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