Protection status under pressure: BAMF checks Syrian refugees!

Protection status under pressure: BAMF checks Syrian refugees!

Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) has issued a new requirement for the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), which particularly affects Syrian refugees. This decision, which aims to examine the protection status of certain groups of Syrian asylum seekers, leads to a comprehensive review of those deemed to be “risks” or criminals. Lip wave points out that protection status can be revoked in special circumstances, such as serious crimes.

The traffic light coalition, which began considering exploratory trips for Syrians in January, has shelved this idea for the time being. There are fears that such trips could be viewed as a reason to revoke protected status, as current law no longer considers the conditions for this status to be met when traveling to the country of origin. However, exceptions are possible, for example if seriously ill family members are affected.

Current developments in the asylum procedure

The Karlsruhe Administrative Court made it clear on May 23, 2025 that the BAMF is no longer entitled to suspend asylum applications from Syrian citizens. Beck reports that a lawsuit filed by a Syrian refugee whose claim remained unresolved for a year led to this decision. This legal clarification means that the BAMF must immediately decide on all outstanding applications and that the need to clarify the situation in Syria no longer exists.

The current situation in the country has changed. Bashar al-Assad has no longer ruled Syria since December 2024; instead, the group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) controls large parts of the country. The BAMF has prepared a country report that addresses the current challenges for refugee protection.

Family questions and checking residence status

Another important topic is family reunification. How Diaconia notes, the granting of family asylum in Syrian cases is currently suspended, while visa decisions continue to apply. It is recommended that family members who are joining you apply for a residence permit instead of applying for asylum. This measure could minimize possible uncertainties in the process.

Additionally, there is a legal presumption that protected status will be forfeited if someone travels to their home country. The current regulations, which concern clarification of the situations of unaccompanied minor refugees and other vulnerable groups, will continue to be monitored.

Overall, the situation for Syrian refugees in Germany remains tense and dynamic. Given the new legal framework and political developments in the country of origin, it is essential to keep a close eye on upcoming decisions and their impact on those affected.