Syria Blocks Mass Deportations From Germany by Withholding Travel Documents
21st May 2026
The deportation of Syrian citizens from Germany has been virtually paralyzed despite the political announcements made by Berlin in recent months. A key reason is that Damascus has stopped issuing replacement travel documents for Syrian nationals facing deportation.
According to recently published information, since the end of January no German federal state has received the type of documentation required to carry out forced returns of individuals lacking valid passports or complete identity documents.These replacement documents are an essential requirement in deportation procedures. Without them, authorities may face serious legal and operational difficulties in carrying out returns even when a final deportation order exists.
German federal authorities have not officially confirmed the blockage, although they have not denied it either.
The issue currently affects around 11,000 Syrian citizens who are under an immediate legal obligation to leave Germany, according to data from the German Federal Police.