It has emerged that Denmark has become the first nation in Europe to order Syrian migrants to return to their home country as they have reasoned that Syria is now safe for them. UNN’s Oliver Down understands that Denmark has stripped 94 Syrian refugees of their residency permits as a result of it determining that the capital, Damascus and the surrounding areas are safe. Germany had previously ruled that criminals could be deported to Syria, but Denmark is the first country in Europe to say refugees can be returned.
Human rights groups in the country have slammed the move. However, Mattias Tesfaye who is Denmark’s immigration minister has insisted that his government have been ‘open and honest from the start’ with refugees coming from Syria. He said: ‘We have made it clear to the Syrian refugees that their residence permit is temporary. It can be withdrawn if protection is no longer needed’.
The Danish government has now extended the parts of Syria that they consider it safe for people to return to. Mr Tesfaye said: ‘We must give people protection for as long as it is needed. But when conditions in the home country improve, a former refugee should return home and re-establish a life there’.
Mads Fuglede has stated that an agreement should be sought with the Syria regime. He has said: ‘I can imagine an agreement that will only extend to the framework for sending people back, with some guarantees that you can return without being persecuted’.
In addition to this, the Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has promised to target ‘zero’ asylum seekers applying for residence in Denmark.
Current Affairs Correspondent | My name is Oliver Down I am 22, and a staunch brexiteer. I am a Bristolian lad who studied politics in Leicester. I believe in free speech and accurate journalism and I won’t be afraid to give you “the other side” of the story!
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