Amnesty International warns that discussions about revoking Syrian residence permits in Germany risk spreading fear among the Syrian diaspora. Sophie Scheytt, an asylum policy expert at Amnesty International, emphasized that most Syrians hold residence permits that are not easily revoked. She urged decision-makers to ensure stability for Syrians, who have become an integral part of German society.
Types of Residence Permits Held by Syrians
The majority of Syrians in Germany possess residence permits, which cannot be suddenly withdrawn. Many hold unlimited permits, while others have time-limited ones. Approximately 1.3 million Syrians have arrived in Germany over the past decade, with around 160,000 gaining German citizenship. Last year alone, 75,000 Syrians became German nationals, solidifying their place in the country.
In addition to citizenship, many Syrians benefit from humanitarian protections like subsidiary protection. This status is granted to individuals who may not meet the strict criteria for refugee protection but still face severe risks in their home country due to ongoing conflict or instability.
Could Syrians Be Forced to Return?
For Syrians holding humanitarian protection, the revocation of permits under German and EU law is highly unlikely without a substantial and lasting improvement in Syria’s human rights conditions. Amnesty International maintains that these conditions have not improved, making discussions about deportation both premature and insensitive.
Additionally, many Syrians in Germany hold residence permits for other reasons, such as family reunification, work, or study. These permits confer legal rights and cannot be arbitrarily revoked. According to German law, authorities have no discretion in denying permits once applicants meet the necessary criteria.
The Role of Integration
Some politicians suggest that well-integrated Syrians—those with jobs, education, or families—should have stronger grounds to remain in Germany. However, Scheytt rejects the idea of forcing Syrians to “prove” their worth, pointing out that many have already built their lives in Germany. They work, pay taxes, study, and raise families. Their children attend schools and kindergartens, further rooting them in German society.
Scheytt highlighted that residence permits, whether for work, study, or humanitarian reasons, are not acts of charity but legally binding rights. For instance, skilled workers and students who meet the requirements under Germany’s Residence Act are entitled to permits without discretionary interference.
Read: Syrians in London React to Assad’s Downfall with Hope and Uncertainty
Changing the Legal Landscape
The laws governing residence permits are firmly rooted in international agreements, such as the Geneva Refugee Convention and EU regulations. These frameworks ensure that permits cannot be revoked easily and require a significant and lasting change in the human rights situation of the country of origin. Amnesty insists that such changes in Syria are far from reality.
The Call for Stability
Amnesty International urges German politicians to refrain from using Syrian residency as a political issue, especially ahead of elections. Instead, they should assure the Syrian community of their security in Germany. Syrians who have contributed to the country’s workforce, education system, and communities deserve recognition as vital members of German society, not subjects of political debates.
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