Mazen Alloush, Director of the International Relations and Cooperation Administration, met with a Swedish delegation on Wednesday to discuss migration cooperation. Kjell Terje Torvik of the Swedish Migration Agency led the visiting delegation, which was accompanied by Jesper Hager, Deputy Head of Mission at the Swedish Embassy in Damascus. The Swedish delegation was led by Kjell Terje Torvik of the Swedish Migration Agency. This meeting served as a formal venue for the Swedish Migration Agency to engage directly with the International Relations and Cooperation Administration regarding the logistics of migration.
During the meeting, Mazen Alloush stated, "Enabling the return of Syrian nationals remains both a national and humanitarian priority." He added, "Long‑term reintegration depends on coordinated national and international efforts to expand employment opportunities, restore access to essential services, and improve living conditions so that returnees can reintegrate smoothly into their communities." The officials reviewed existing procedures regarding the return of citizens to Syria as part of ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two nations. The Swedish Migration Agency representatives participated in these discussions to better understand the current administrative landscape in Syria. This dialogue allowed both Mazen Alloush and Kjell Terje Torvik to examine the specific requirements for processing the return of Syrian nationals. Jesper Hager also contributed to the discussions, providing perspectives from the Swedish Embassy in Damascus on the current bilateral relationship.
Customs and Border Management Discussions
Qutaiba Badawi, Head of the General Authority for Ports and Customs, held a meeting with Ash Karl, Head of Mission for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Syria, on 29 September. The discussion focused on customs and border management protocols relevant to migration processes. Both representatives addressed technical requirements for managing border crossings and the regulatory frameworks governing the movement of individuals. This engagement formed part of the broader administrative dialogue between Syrian officials and international agencies.
Qutaiba Badawi and Ash Karl reviewed current operational procedures at border facilities to assess how existing customs practices align with the logistical needs of returnees. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Syria remains a key partner for the General Authority for Ports and Customs in these matters. The meeting concluded with an exchange of information regarding the oversight of ports of entry and the maintenance of standard administrative protocols during the processing of arrivals. Qutaiba Badawi emphasized the importance of maintaining clear regulatory frameworks at all border facilities. Ash Karl noted the role of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in supporting the technical aspects of these management protocols. These talks reflect the ongoing coordination between the General Authority for Ports and Customs and the IOM regarding border management in Syria, ensuring that both agencies remain aligned on the administrative requirements for the movement of individuals.