The Federal Ministry of the Interior has instructed the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) to resume reviewing the revocation of protection status for Syrian nationals involved in criminal activity or considered potential threats. This action follows a period where decisions regarding such cases were temporarily halted.
According to a Ministry spokesperson, BAMF is now tasked with re-assessing the protection status of Syrian individuals where a complete rejection based on their individual circumstances is considered. The commission of serious crimes automatically excludes recognition as a refugee or can lead to the withdrawal of existing protection status. This directive similarly applies to decisions concerning asylum cases.
Data presented in response to a parliamentary inquiry by the AfD revealed that between January and May 2025, BAMF initiated 3,537 revocation review procedures for Syrian nationals, resulting in the withdrawal of refugee status in 57 cases and subsidiary protection in 22 cases.
Furthermore, the Ministry reported that 804 individuals voluntarily returned to Syria between January and the end of May 2025 through the “REAG/GARP” federal-state funding program.
The move reflects a shift in policy acknowledging the evolving political landscape in Syria, with opposition parties like the AfD and the CDU advocating for increased scrutiny of existing protection statuses. The CDU spokesperson emphasized the importance of aligning asylum policies with the cessation of the civil conflict and the principles of international refugee protection.
However, the decision has drawn criticism from the Green Party and the Left. Concerns have been raised regarding the safety situation in Syria, pointing to ongoing violence and instability, particularly affecting minority groups. They argue that revoking protection statuses is both legally and ethically unjustifiable and urge the government to ensure existing protection statuses remain in place.
As of the end of May, approximately 961,511 Syrian nationals reside in Germany, the majority holding temporary residence permits.