After 13 years: Syrian visits his hometown of Baniyas for the first time

After 13 years: Syrian visits his hometown of Baniyas for the first time

Baniyas, Syrien - Mohammed Alkaseer, a Syrian, returned to his hometown of Baniyas in Syria for the first time after 13 years. The 30-year-old had fled as a teenager from the civil war in 2012, first to Turkey, where he lived with his sister, and later over the Mediterranean to Europe. In 2014 he came to Italy by boat before arriving in Germany in 2015 and received a residence permit there. He has currently lived in Ostallgäu for ten years, has trained as a hairdresser and met a friend. Alkaseer traveled to Syria because the situation had stabilized after the fall of the Assad regime and he could no longer wait to see his family.

his trip began in Munich with a flight to Istanbul, followed by a onward flight to Damascus. At the airport in Damascus, Alkaseer felt safe, despite the deep memories of his escape. The drive from Damascus to Baniyas was extremely emotional for him because it led him through areas that were severely affected by the conflicts. During the journey, he was checked several times by the government, which gave him a certain feeling of security, an experience that was in strong contrast to his previous escape.

family reunion and optimism

After arriving in Baniyas, Alkaseer met his family. He saw his mother and three sisters for the first time in many years. Despite the destruction and the effects of the war, the family was optimistic and undertook excursions in the city. Alkaseer plans to travel again in the future if the memories of his escape are less strong.

in Germany, Alkaseer received a residence permit after being able to make his need for protection credible to the Federal Office of Migration and Refugees (BAMF). Like many refugees in Germany, he also benefited from the various forms of protection that are available in Germany, including recognition as an asylum -entitled or subsidiary protection in accordance with the Geneva Refugee Convention.

The challenges of the asylum system

Despite his positive experiences, many refugees in Germany have to fight with challenges. Asylum seekers usually have to live in initial reception facilities until their applications have been decided. In addition, social benefits for refugees are often lower than those for unemployment benefit II recipients. Accommodation is often in central or decentralized accommodations, and here too the choice of residence is limited. In addition, discrimination and racism lead to the fact that many feel like "second -class people".

since 2015, Germany has developed into one of the main clip -in countries for refugees. Over 350,000 asylum applications have been registered in recent years, and around 727,900 people with refugee protection have lived in Germany by the end of June 2024. Nevertheless, there are continuing discussions about the reform of asylum law and the implementation of safe countries of origin that influence the asylum procedures and often lead to an tightening of the conditions.

Migration and refugee recording remains a complex topic in Germany, which is characterized by different legal framework conditions and social challenges. However, Alkase's return to his homeland and the return to the family show that, despite all the difficulties, hope and optimism can remain. His path could serve many other refugees as an example who want to overcome similar challenges and finally be reuninated.

The situation of refugees in Germany, the regulations on the asylum procedure and demographic developments show how important it is to find human and practical solutions for everyone involved. The discussion about entrance programs, family reunification and the question of safe countries of origin will continue to play a central role in German and European politics in the future.

Merkur reports that Alkaseer 2014 came to Italy and 2015 in Germany. In Baniyas he met his family and plans more trips. only from here explains the various forms of protection for refugees in Germany and the challenge of getting used to a new life. The Federal Center for Political Education indicates the essential developments in German asylum law and emphasizes the need for reforms.