All Briefings And Briefing Content Prepared For Senate Estimates Since September 2025 Related To Australian Returnees From Al-Hol In Syria.

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DFAT prepared Senate estimates briefing materials documenting the Australian Government's policy on nationals held in Syrian internally displaced persons camps. The briefing confirms Australia is not conducting repatriation operations, citing extremely limited consular capacity due to the absence of diplomatic presence in Syria and security risks. It notes that since 2019, Australia has repatriated 25 individuals (eight minors in 2019, four women and 13 children in 2022), with one family of six self-repatriating in September 2025. The government relies on security agencies to manage any self-initiated returns and confirms it will process passport applications for eligible applicants. DFAT's role is restricted to passport processing, with no involvement in monitoring or planning repatriations. The briefing emphasizes ongoing travel warnings against Syria due to armed conflict, terrorism, and arbitrary detention risks.