Sweden, Syria agree to cooperate on deporting convicted Syrian migrants
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Sweden and Syria announced on Nov. 27, 2025 that they will cooperate on the return of Syrian migrants convicted of crimes in Sweden, marking the first such agreement since the start of the Syrian conflict in 2011.
Swedish Migration Minister Johan Forssell told public broadcaster Sveriges Radio that any Syrian migrant found guilty of criminal offenses should be expelled, but deportations have been difficult due to lack of coordination with Damascus.
He said the new cooperation aims to speed up returns and is tied to development aid Sweden provides to Syria.
Forssell’s remarks followed a rare visit to Damascus by him and Sweden’s Minister for International Cooperation, Benjamin Dousa, where they met with Syria’s Transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
The visit was the first official Swedish trip to Syria since war broke out more than a decade ago.
According to the Sweden Herald, 128 Syrian nationals convicted of crimes in Sweden have outstanding deportation orders but remain in the country.
“Several of them have committed very serious crimes,” Forssell said. “By committing crimes in Sweden, these people have chosen not to be part of Sweden.”
Forssell stressed that Sweden expects “a return” on the aid it provides, including Damascus’ cooperation in taking back its nationals.
He warned that development assistance may be withheld if deportations cannot proceed.
Swedish officials said Syria may send a “technical team” to Sweden to review individual cases, including identity verification.
However, Stockholm has not set a timeline for transfers, citing ongoing instability in Syria and human-rights concerns. “We don’t deport anyone if they risk torture,” Forssell noted.
Sweden hosts nearly 200,000 Syria-born residents, making Syrians the largest foreign-born group in the country. Despite declining asylum numbers, Syrians remained the top nationality among applicants in 2024.
The Swedish Migration Agency also announced that repatriation grants will rise significantly starting January 2026, offering up to 600,000 kronas (about €54,500) per household for voluntary returns.