The German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) has largely upheld existing refugee status in the vast majority of cases reviewed, according to a response to a parliamentary inquiry. This comes despite a significant increase in the number of cases undergoing review for potential revocation or withdrawal of protection.
Between January and November 2025, the BAMF initiated 23,101 new reviews of refugee status – approximately 5,500 more than in the previous year. Of the 41,887 cases decided during that period, roughly 93 percent resulted in the continuation of protected status. Only 2,839 cases ended in a revocation or withdrawal, with just 310 of those attributed to false information or deception.
Individuals with Syrian nationality were disproportionately subject to review. The BAMF initiated 9,077 new reviews for Syrian protection seekers and reached decisions in 16,737 cases. In 96.7 percent of those decisions, the existing protection status was confirmed.
Political Debate Surrounds Syrian Status
Clara Bünger, the migration policy spokesperson for the Left Party, stated that the figures confirm a trend: the BAMF generally reaffirms previously granted protection status, particularly for Syrians. Bünger argued that the situation in Syria remains unstable, citing the ongoing persecution of minorities and recent attacks on Kurdish-administered areas.
Bünger concluded that “Syria is not safe,” and therefore, debate over ending protective status in Germany and potential deportations are inappropriate. The CSU party, however, presented a plan in January outlining a pathway for the return of Syrians to their country. Additionally, courts have also ruled on the safety of returning to Syria, with the Düsseldorf Administrative Court recently allowing the deportation of two Syrians to Damascus and Latakia after their asylum claims were denied.
Currently, direct flights to Damascus are available from cities including Istanbul, Ankara, and Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of refugee protection cases were upheld by the BAMF in 2025?
Approximately 93 percent of the 41,887 cases decided by the BAMF between January and November 2025 resulted in the continuation of existing protection status.
How many reviews of refugee status were initiated for Syrian nationals?
The BAMF initiated 9,077 new reviews of protection status for individuals from Syria between January and November 2025.
What was the outcome of the reviews for Syrian nationals?
In 96.7 percent of the 16,737 decisions made regarding Syrian nationals, the BAMF confirmed their existing protection status.
As these findings reveal a continued commitment to upholding existing protections, what impact might differing interpretations of safety and stability in Syria have on future migration policies?
