Netherlands Allows Syrian Refugees to Visit Their Homeland

ARK News.. The Dutch Parliament has approved a proposal by the "Labor-Green Left" and "Christian Union" parties to allow Syrian refugees in the Netherlands to visit their home country and assess whether it has become safe following the fall of the Assad regime.

According to Syria TV, the plan introduces a "go and see" arrangement, offering a family member the chance to evaluate the possibility of voluntary return without affecting their asylum status.

The proposal is inspired by a model already implemented in Turkey and other countries.

Following the collapse of the Assad regime, the Dutch government halted the processing of asylum applications from Syria. However, recent data indicates that the number of Syrian asylum seekers continues to rise, with only 20 Syrians having returned voluntarily since the fall. The Minister of Asylum is expected to provide updated statistics soon.

The proposal has sparked division within the ruling right-wing coalition. Coalition parties such as "Freedom," "People," and "Farmers" see no benefit in the plan.

Marina Vondeling, a member of the "Freedom" party, commented, "I hope the minister does not support this nonsense."

In contrast, the "New Social Contract" party, also part of the ruling coalition, has expressed support for the proposal.

This development comes amid ongoing debates about the return of Syrians since the regime's fall. The Dutch Ministry of Asylum has established a voluntary return program, offering 900 euros in cash to those who wish to leave.

Asylum Minister Faber is also working on "forced returns" but awaits an official report from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to confirm that Syria is indeed safe enough for return.

The last report on Syria's safety was issued over a year ago, when the situation was markedly different. The updated report is expected in May this year.

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