Netherlands vows bigger role in Syria reconstruction, urges refugee returns

Dutch Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Asylum and Migration Bart van den Brink met Syria’s UN ambassador Ibrahim Olabi in New York during the International Migration Review Forum and said the Netherlands will significantly increase its contribution to Syria’s reconstruction while encouraging Syrian refugees to consider returning. Van den Brink described the meeting as "unique," noting participation from the United States, Turkey, Jordan and several European countries to discuss returns and rebuilding. He emphasized the aim is to persuade Syrians to seriously consider returning and taking part in reconstruction rather than setting a fixed return quota.

Details and context

Dutch media reported about 945 Syrians returned from the Netherlands last year; the government offers returnees €5,000 per adult and €2,500 per minor. Van den Brink said many pending Syrian asylum claims are being rejected because of perceived improvements inside Syria, while acknowledging reconstruction still faces major hurdles. He urged greater European support, announced a forthcoming EU program to facilitate returns, and said contacts with Syrian authorities will continue as the Netherlands seeks to reassure refugees about prospects at home as reported by Enab Baladi