The Federal Ministry of the Interior has instructed the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) to resume proceedings concerning the revocation of protective status for Syrian nationals involved in criminal activity or deemed security risks. This action is being taken as the security situation in Syria has evolved significantly since the initial granting of asylum.
According to a ministry spokesperson, BAMF is now authorized to re-examine cases where a comprehensive rejection based on individual circumstances is potentially applicable. The commission of serious crimes, the spokesperson emphasized, can disqualify an individual from receiving or maintaining protective status.
This renewed focus extends to asylum decisions as well, with BAMF resuming proceedings regarding Syrian nationals with criminal records or security concerns. While BAMF has previously made individual decisions on security-sensitive asylum and revocation cases, the volume of asylum claims has largely been paused since December.
Data presented in a response to a parliamentary inquiry by the AfD parliamentary group indicates that between January and May 2025, BAMF initiated 3,537 revocation review proceedings concerning Syrian citizens. During this period, refugee status was withdrawn from 57 individuals and a subsidiary form of protection was revoked from 22.
The Ministry also reported provisional figures for voluntary returns facilitated through the “REAG/GARP” federal-state program, indicating that 804 individuals repatriated to Syria between January and the end of May 2025.
Political reactions have been mixed. Gottfried Curio, the AfD’s interior policy spokesperson, stated the return of offenders and criminals to Syria should mark just the beginning of a recalibration of asylum policy to reflect the changing realities in Syria. Alexander Throm (CDU), the CDU’s interior policy spokesperson, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that it’s fair and consistent with international refugee protection norms for those who initially sought refuge to return to their home countries as dangers subside. He expressed public expectation for BAMF to commence the process of revoking protective claims.
However, opposition parties such as the Green Party and the Left Party have voiced concerns. Filiz Polat (Greens) argued for the creation of paths towards durable and secure residency options, particularly emphasizing the expedited processing of naturalization procedures. Clara Bünger (Left Party) cautioned against revocation proceedings, citing ongoing violence and unstable conditions within Syria. She maintained that revoking protective titles is not legally or ethically justifiable under the current circumstances.
As of the end of May, approximately 961,511 Syrian nationals resided in Germany, primarily holding temporary residency permits.
