Headline: Netherlands to Consider Forced Return of Syrian Asylum Seekers, Following Germany and Austria’s Lead
Subhead: Minister Faber confirms plans as situation in Syria improves and regime changes hands.
The Netherlands has announced plans to reevaluate the asylum status of Syrian nationals currently residing in the country, in line with similar measures being taken by Germany and Austria. This move comes as the political landscape in Syria shifts following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad and the ascension of the Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) to power.
In response to questions from RTL Nieuws, the Ministry of Asylum and Migration confirmed that the Netherlands would explore both voluntary and forced repatriation options for Syrian asylum seekers. Minister Eric vander Burg, from the Party for Freedom (PVV), stated that "we will make every effort to ensure their return. Syrians who wish to leave now will be assisted, where possible."
Forced repatriation is not off the table, with the ministry acknowledging that it would follow the example set by Germany, which has begun reviewing the cases of Syrians without secure jobs or proficient language skills.
However, the ministry emphasized that the repatriation process is not yet imminent. "Currently, it is not yet possible to reassess and subsequently withdraw permits in the Netherlands," a spokesperson clarified. "Reassessment will only occur when there is sufficient clarity regarding the new situation in Syria."
Syria’s current political reality is complex. After two decades of Assad’s rule, a bloody civil war resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and an exodus of Syrian refugees fleeing to neighboring countries and Europe. Approximately 150,000 Syrians now live in the Netherlands.
The new power dynamics in Syria pose challenges and uncertainties. HTS, which has previously had ties with Al-Qaeda and ISIS, vows a moderate course but is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union. The situation in Syria remains volatile, with a ‘moratorium’ currently in place, putting a halt to new asylum applications and deportations.
Before any repatriations occur, several prerequisites must be met. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs must declare certain areas in Syria safe, as determined in its periodic diplomatic reports. Additionally, agreements must be reached with Syrian authorities to accept returning migrants.
The Dutch government has been active in diplomatic efforts regarding Syria. French and German Foreign Ministers recently visited the country, and the Netherlands dispatched a special envoy, diplomat Gijs Gerlag, in early January. Though the reinstatement of the Dutch embassy in Damascus is still uncertain, these diplomatic moves suggest a thawing of relations.
Domestically, right-wing coalition parties in the Netherlands support the repatriation of Syrian asylum seekers.PVV leader Geert Wilders has been vocal in his demand for a mass return, while the VVD and NScircle-Kamer members have depicted a more measured stance, emphasizing the need for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ safety assessments before any deportations proceed.
However, opposition parties urge caution. D66 MP Anne-Marijke Podt worries that the current government may act too hastily without adequate safety guarantees. "The situation in Syria is still very unpredictable. Minister Faber and the PVV want to send these people back immediately, even without knowing if it’s safe."
Returnees grapple with concerns about their future in Syria, particularly marginalized groups such as women and religious minorities who fear persecution under the new regime.
Image Caption: A Syrian woman and her children at a refugee camp.