On March 27, 2025, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser abruptly canceled her planned visit to Damascus, Syria, due to credible threats of a potential terrorist attack. The visit, which was supposed to include her Austrian counterpart, Gerhard Karner, was intended to facilitate discussions on sensitive security issues, particularly the repatriation of dangerous refugees classified as 'dangerous criminals' back to Syria.
Faeser and Karner had arrived in Jordan the previous day, where they were scheduled to travel to Syria on a German Air Force flight. However, the trip was scrapped just before takeoff after German security authorities issued specific warnings about the potential threat facing the delegation. A spokesperson for the German Ministry of the Interior confirmed, "Due to specific warnings from German security authorities regarding a potential terrorist threat, Minister Faeser canceled her trip to Damascus before departing from the Jordanian capital."
The decision to cancel the visit underscores the precarious security situation in Syria, which has been unstable for years. The German authorities emphasized that the safety of the minister and her accompanying security personnel could not be compromised. The spokesperson added that it was impossible to rule out that the threat was linked to both the German and Austrian delegations.
The planned discussions were set to include talks with key members of the Syrian transitional government and representatives from UN relief organizations. Faeser had expressed the need for careful consideration regarding the return of Syrian refugees, particularly in light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the lack of basic services in many areas of Syria.
During her brief stay in Jordan, Faeser met with Jordanian Interior Minister Mazen Al-Faraya, where she acknowledged the complexities surrounding the refugee situation. She stated, "Despite many unclear factors, the new rulers in Damascus should be given a chance." She highlighted that the ongoing shortages of electricity, clean drinking water, housing, medical care, and schools in Syria made it impossible to hastily push refugees to return.
Germany has been actively involved in supporting Jordan in its efforts to accommodate and care for refugees, reaffirming its commitment to humanitarian assistance in the region. Faeser noted, "At the same time, we will discuss available options, particularly voluntary returns to Syria."
Both Faeser and Karner share a vested interest in creating conditions that would allow for the future deportation of serious offenders and dangerous Islamists among Syrian refugees back to their homeland. The German Ministry of the Interior is currently working on a framework that would enable Syrian refugees to make short visits to Syria, with prior notice, without losing their legal status as refugees in Germany. This initiative aims to explore the possibility of permanent returns to their home country.
In Germany, approximately one million Syrian citizens reside, many of whom have fled the ongoing violence and instability. Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Germany and Austria have frozen dealings with Syrian asylum applications, with Austria indicating a desire to repatriate many Syrians. Meanwhile, Germany aims to retain well-integrated migrants while facilitating the return of those with criminal records.
In a significant move, Austria announced it would suspend family reunifications for refugees starting in May, becoming the first EU country to take such a step. This decision reflects a broader trend in European politics concerning refugee policies and the treatment of asylum seekers.
Last week, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock reopened the German embassy in Syria, signaling a potential thawing of diplomatic relations with Damascus under the new leadership. This reopening comes amid ongoing humanitarian and security challenges as Syria attempts to rebuild after years of conflict.
As discussions around refugee policies continue to evolve, both Germany and Austria are grappling with the implications of their decisions on asylum seekers and the future of Syrian refugees in Europe. The cancellation of Faeser’s visit highlights the ongoing risks faced by officials engaging with the Syrian government, as well as the complexities of navigating the humanitarian landscape in the region.
In conclusion, the German government's approach to Syrian refugees remains cautious, balancing humanitarian obligations with national security concerns. While the visit to Damascus was canceled, the discussions in Jordan reflect ongoing efforts to address the refugee crisis and the broader implications of returning individuals classified as dangerous back to Syria.
