Nearly 30,000 Sign Petition as Germany Moves to Deport Syrian Dentist
A Syrian dentist living in Germany is facing deportation despite being fully integrated into society, sparking national debate over the country’s new refugee return policy. The case of 31-year-old باسل غاويش has drawn widespread public attention after his asylum application was rejected.
Only days before German Chancellor فريدريش ميرتس discussed the return of hundreds of thousands of Syrians with Syria’s interim president أحمد الشرع, غاويش received a letter from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). The letter informed him that his asylum request had been denied, he would not receive subsidiary protection, and he had to leave Germany within 30 days.
غاويش said he was shocked and devastated by the decision. He explained that he had been kidnapped in Syria before fleeing through several countries to reach Germany. After only two years in the country, he now speaks almost perfect German, works as a licensed dentist in the town of Bühl as a trainee under an oral surgeon, and hopes to be permanently hired after completing his internship.
In addition to his professional work, he volunteers as a translator for several charities, including the German Red Cross and even the federal police, helping in Arabic, English, and Turkish. “This is my country. I speak the language. I want to stay,” he said, adding that Germany gave him safety and support, and he wants to give something back.
His case has gained strong support from a citizens’ group called “Grannies Against the Right,” which launched a petition titled “Basel Must Stay!” Nearly 30,000 people have already signed it. Nadja Glatt, who started the campaign, said Germany urgently needs dental professionals and that deporting someone like غاويش makes no sense, especially when he has done everything possible to build a life in Germany.
His case has gained strong support from a citizens’ group called “Grannies Against the Right,” which launched a petition titled “Basel Must Stay!” Nearly 30,000 people have already signed it. Nadja Glatt, who started the campaign, said Germany urgently needs dental professionals and that deporting someone like غاويش makes no sense, especially when he has done everything possible to build a life in Germany.
The case comes as Germany’s government pushes for more Syrians to return home. Chancellor ميرتس recently mentioned that up to 80% of Syrians in Germany could be repatriated over the next three years, although later both he and أحمد الشرع tried to distance themselves from that figure. Germany currently hosts nearly 950,000 Syrians, and officials from the CDU/CSU and SPD coalition are discussing large-scale return plans.
Migration experts warn that deporting well-integrated people may be easier for authorities because they are easier to locate through jobs, schools, and official records. Marie Walter-Franke from the German Council for Integration and Migration criticized the growing focus on deportation, saying it sends a harmful message that foreigners are not welcome in Germany.
She also stressed that many Syrians do not want to return because of the unstable conditions in Syria and the severe lack of resources there. Instead, she believes Germany should recognize the long-term value Syrians bring, especially young people. She noted that more than 200,000 Syrian minors are currently studying in German schools and will soon be ready to join the workforce, speaking fluent German and growing up fully integrated into German society.