Australians Return From Syria Camps

Some Australian citizens, including women and children, have found their way back from camps in Syria. They managed to leave the camps and travel to Lebanon on their own. After arriving in Lebanon, they got Australian passports. This has led to discussions about what the government should do and safety concerns.
By Newsroom | Australia, Syria |

The return of Australian citizens, including women and children from Syrian camps, has intensified a national discussion about government responsibilities and security concerns. This issue comes to the fore as individuals seek to leave displacement camps, with some successfully returning to Australia through their own efforts.

Circumstances of Return

  • In September 2025, two Australian women and four children arrived in Victoria, having left a Syrian displacement camp.

  • These individuals managed to escape the camp and travel to Lebanon without direct assistance from the Australian government.

  • Following their arrival in Lebanon, they were issued Australian passports after passing security checks.

Government Stance and Citizen Rights

  • The Australian government maintains that these returns were not part of an official repatriation plan. Instead, it states that the individuals returned on their own accord.

  • Legally, the Australian government is obligated to issue passports to its citizens who apply and meet the necessary criteria.

  • However, there have been documented instances where direct requests for government assistance in returning citizens, including women and children from Syria, have been declined.

"The government is legally obliged to provide passports to Australian citizens who validly apply for them." - Article 1

"The Australian government maintains that these individuals were not brought in via an organised government repatriation plan, and that they returned themselves." - Article 7

International Pressure and Security Considerations

  • International partners, including the United States, have urged other nations to repatriate their citizens from Syrian conflict zones, citing global security implications.

  • A precondition for potential U.S. military assistance in repatriating Australians was the possession of current passports by those individuals, a matter the Australian government had reportedly refused to facilitate directly.

  • Upon their return, all individuals are subject to standard identity, security, and health checks.

"US Admiral Brad Cooper saying it was an issue of global security." - Article 1

Unanswered Questions and Ongoing Concerns

  • It remains unclear if all returning women have committed terrorism offenses.

  • Approximately 60 Australian men, women, and children are believed to remain offshore, with about 30 women and children still in displacement camps.

  • Families of some individuals attempting to return have stated they are kept in the dark about their loved ones' plans.

"It remains unclear whether the women had committed any terrorism offences." - Article 2

Advocacy for Support and Reintegration

  • Organizations like Save the Children Australia have long called for the government to facilitate the safe return of Australians stranded in Syria.

  • There are calls for Australian authorities to provide comprehensive support for the reintegration of returnees into Australian society.

  • The possibility exists that some returnees may face legal action in Australia related to their travel or association with ISIS.

"The organisation is calling on Australian authorities to provide returnees with comprehensive support for reintegration into Australia." - Article 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How did the Australians get back from Syria?
Two women and four children left a camp in Syria and travelled to Lebanon by themselves.
Q: Did the Australian government help them return?
The government says it did not help them return. They got passports in Lebanon after security checks.
Q: Are there other Australians still in Syria?
Yes, about 60 Australian men, women, and children are thought to still be in the area, with many in camps.
Q: What happens when they return?
All people returning go through checks for identity, security, and health.