Interior Minister Announces Review of Revocation Decisions
According to information from the RND, Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) plans to instruct the BAMF to conduct a large-scale review of the protection status of Syrian refugees. Dobrindt confirmed on Monday that the review is to be expanded gradually.
Alexander Throm (CDU) told the RND that, initially, the focus should be on screening young men traveling alone who receive social benefits and are not working. Regarding Syrians who are employed, Throm pointed out the option of switching to a “Residence permit ” (work permit) to continue working.
Background: In revocation proceedings, the BAMF reviews whether a person is still entitled to protection in Germany. The legal provisions governing this are set forth in Section 73b of the Asylum Act (AsylG). A review of protection status may take place, for example, if the situation in the country of origin has improved significantly and permanently.
The BAMF is reviewing protection status with increasing frequency
The announced measure is not entirely new. For some time now, the BAMF has been reviewing the protection status of Syrian criminals and individuals posing a threat, as well as those known to have traveled to Syria.
Since June 2026, the reviews have been gradually expanded to include additional groups of people. These include individuals with low protection needs, whom the BAMF assumes are able to support themselves in Syria or can rely on support from family or a social network there. Now, the revocation proceedings are to be expanded to include additional groups of people.
As a result, the number of revocations has already risen. In the first half of 2026, the BAMF ruled on a total of 8 , 320 revocation proceedings involving Syrian nationals. In 23.2 percent of the cases, protection status was revoked or withdrawn. For the entire year of 2025, the revocation rate was still 3.7 percent.
In the first half of 2026, refugee status (9.1 percent of cases) andsubsidiary protection (10.9 percent of cases) were revoked particularly frequently. In an additional 3.2 percent of cases, the national ban on deportation was revoked.
Federal Government Seeks to Strengthen Support for Voluntary Return
In addition to the planned revocation proceedings, the federal government also intends to provide greater support for voluntary returns to Syria. Alexander Throm told the RND that more financial resources will be made available for this purpose.
Even today, people who wish to return to Syria can receive financial assistance through the REAG/GARP program. Syrian nationals are eligible for a one-time startup grant of 1,000 euros for adults and 500 euros for minors. In addition, a travel allowance of 200 euros per person may be provided. The specific benefits granted are determined on a case-by-case basis.
What Syrians Should Keep in Mind During the Revocation Process
According to the federal government, 915,840 Syrian nationals were living in Germany at the end of June 2026. More than 640,000 of them have a temporary residence permit, and another 70,000 have a Settlement permit.
At that time, approximately 262,000 Syrians had been granted refugee status. Just under 284,000 people had been granted subsidiary protection.
Important: A review of protection status does not automatically mean that protection will be revoked. The BAMF must always examine, on a case-by-case basis, whether the conditions for protection still exist. Before a decision on revocation is made, the person concerned must be informed of the decision and the reasons for it and given the opportunity to comment on it.
Here's what Syrians should keep in mind during the revocation proceedings:
- Take letters from the BAMF seriously and observe deadlines
Anyone who receives a letter regarding the revocation review process should read it carefully and meet all specified deadlines. Missing deadlines can have a negative impact on the process. - Gather documentation regarding integration, language, work, and education
Gather documents that prove your integration in Germany (language certificates, employment contracts, proof of vocational training or higher education, and your children’s school records). Volunteer work can also be helpful. - Gather evidence supporting your need for personal protection
Equally important are documents that substantiate your need for protection (medical certificates, evidence of political activism in Syria, or documents regarding personal threats in Syria) - Explain Individual Grounds for Protection
Even though the general situation in Syria has changed, there may still be a need for protection in individual cases. For example, in cases of political persecution, membership in a minority group, or for health reasons. You should provide evidence of these circumstances in as concrete and clear a manner as possible. - Avoid traveling to Syria
Voluntary travel to one’s country of origin while holding protection status may be interpreted as an indication that the need for protection no longer exists. Therefore, it is advisable to consider whether a trip is absolutely necessary before traveling and, if necessary, to seek legal advice. - Seek legal advice
Revocation proceedings are complex. Qualified advice from specialized attorneys or experienced counseling centers can be crucial for avoiding mistakes and understanding your rights.
If the BAMF does in fact issue a revocation, it is possible to take legal action against it. Lawsuits against revocation notices are possible, but must be filed within a short time frame.
