Today, 84 Syrians are departing together with the help of the Repatriation and Departure Service (DTenV) from the Netherlands to Syria. In recent months, more and more Syrians have indicated they wish to return to their country of origin. Therefore, a government flight has been initiated this time. The flight has been prepared in good consultation with the Syrian authorities.
This morning, the plane departs from Rotterdam The Hague Airport to Damascus. Among the passengers are both families with (minor) children and singles. The vast majority of them had a temporary residence status in the Netherlands or an ongoing asylum application. They have definitively renounced this. Everyone has been provided with return support amounting to €2,800 per adult and €1,650 per minor. The Inspectorate of Justice and Security was informed in advance by DTenV and inspected the return process. To be able to act adequately in case of medical emergencies, a medical team has also flown along.
Simone Steendijk, General Director of DTenV: “With this flight, we have been able to help over eighty people return to Syria and build a new life there. This is the first time we have initiated a government flight for voluntary departure. This experience enables DTenV to better expand return to Syria if necessary.”
It varies per person why someone wants to return voluntarily to Syria. DTenV hears from Syrians that the improved security situation there is a reason. Others indicate that they miss their country and/or family members, that they cannot settle sufficiently in the Netherlands, or that uncertainty about residence prospects in the Netherlands is a reason for voluntary departure.
In total, with this flight included, approximately 700 Syrians have returned this year with the help of DTenV.
