Canberra – Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has delivered a stark message to a group of Australian women and children recently turned back from Syria whereas attempting to return home, stating his government will not provide assistance and they may face prosecution upon arrival. The group, comprised of 11 women and 23 children, had been living in the al-Roj displacement camp in northeastern Syria and were en route to Damascus when Syrian authorities halted their progress on Monday, returning them to the camp.
The attempted repatriation, and subsequent reversal, has ignited debate over the handling of Australians linked to the Islamic State (IS) group. Albanese emphasized a firm stance against providing support to individuals who willingly travelled to support the extremist organization. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges Australia faces in dealing with citizens who joined IS and their families, particularly those stranded in conflict zones. The core issue of Australian citizens with IS links seeking to return remains a complex political and security concern.
“My mother would have said if you produce your bed, you lie in it,” Albanese told ABC News, signaling a lack of sympathy for those who travelled to Syria and Iraq to support IS. He reiterated that those who broke the law would be held accountable, stating the government would not intervene or offer repatriation assistance. This position aligns with previous statements indicating a reluctance to actively retrieve individuals with suspected ties to terrorism, prioritizing domestic security concerns.
The women are often referred to as “ISIS brides,” having travelled to Syria and Iraq between 2014 and 2019, many marrying IS fighters. Following the collapse of the IS “caliphate” in 2019, thousands of foreign women and children, including Australians, were detained in camps like al-Roj and al-Hol. As of October 2025, the al-Roj camp held 37 Australian citizens, including 25 children.
Repatriation Attempts and Procedural Hurdles
The recent attempt at repatriation was halted due to what Syrian officials described as “technical reasons” and procedural issues related to travel permissions between Kurdish-controlled territory and areas under Syrian government oversight. The convoy had initially departed Roj camp under military escort, heading towards Damascus with the intention of then travelling to Beirut to seek assistance from the Australian embassy. The reversal underscores the logistical and political complexities involved in facilitating the return of individuals from the region.
Australia has previously undertaken two repatriation missions. The Morrison government brought back eight orphaned children in June 2019, while the Albanese government repatriated four women and 13 children in October 2022. Though, the current situation marks a departure from those earlier efforts, with the government explicitly ruling out further assistance. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke is reportedly “taking advice” from security agencies regarding the situation, according to The Guardian.
Security Concerns and Legal Ramifications
The Prime Minister’s firm stance reflects broader security concerns surrounding the potential return of individuals with IS affiliations. Albanese stated these individuals “went overseas supporting Islamic State and went there to provide support for people who basically want a caliphate.” Upon return, these women could face prosecution for various offences, depending on their level of involvement with the terrorist group. The Opposition has proposed a two-year exclusion order to prevent their return, a measure the government has not yet adopted.
The situation similarly raises questions about the welfare of the children involved. Many of the children are Australian citizens, and their return presents a unique set of challenges, including the need for social services, education, and potential deradicalization programs. Human rights activists have raised concerns about the conditions within the camps, reporting violations of children’s rights.
What’s Next?
The immediate future for the 34 Australians remains uncertain, as they are currently back in the al-Roj camp. The Australian government maintains its position against repatriation, leaving the individuals stranded in Syria. The situation will likely continue to be monitored closely by security agencies, and further legal challenges or political pressure for repatriation are possible. The long-term implications of this policy, and the fate of those remaining in the camps, remain to be seen.
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